Candida (technically called Candida albicans) is a microorganism in the category of yeast, fungi and mold. It is normal for it to live in small amounts in the digestive system and on other body surfaces. However, under certain circumstances it will invade into deeper tissues and organs where it doesn’t belong, such as the liver and kidneys, and become very abundant. Once it gets that far, it entrenches itself as fungi do. The yeast produces certain chemicals and affects cell functions in ways that create many symptoms, some of which can become serious. The term “Candida” refers to the general overgrowth of various fungi and yeasts in the body, which flourish under certain circumstances to the point of causing illness. Candida albicans appears to be the most prominent of these microbes. Candida and Lyme share a LOT of symptoms.

Candida & Lyme

If you have Lyme Disease chances are you are taking antibiotics or will be in the near future. Antibiotics not only destroy the Lyme bacteria in your body but also the good bacteria that are found in your gut. Probiotics are essential for regulating and helping your food digest properly & are a MUST for every Lyme patient. The destruction of your good flora will allow the candida, which is normally kept in check by the good bacteria, to flourish. Candida overgrowth can spread beyond your intestines to other parts of the body and wreak havoc. About 80% of your immune system actually lives in your digestive system and it plays a part in keeping the candida in check. When you become stressed or eat badly, your immune system becomes weak and in doing so enables candida overgrowth.

Candida releases poisons in blood causing all kinds of symptoms. The toxins that are released include :

Ethanol : Produced when yeast has lots of food. Excess ethanol can cause symptoms of alcohol intoxication

1) Poor immunity is undoubtedly a major factor in allowing Candida to overgrow. A weak immune system appears to be the norm these days, the main reason for which in our opinion is nutrient deficiency. Almost every nutrient known has a role to play in creating immunity, and since most individuals exhibit multiple nutrient deficiencies, they inevitably have chronically impaired immune systems. Causes of lowered immunity include:

i) Heavy metal toxicity, particularly lead (from petrol and lead plumbing) and mercury (from amalgam fillings) is immunosuppressant, as is chemical overload from our highly polluted and unnatural environment.

ii) Psychological stress appears to be a much overlooked cause of immune weakness, and the same is true of...

iii) Electromagnetic and geopathic stress. Since the sustained presence of Candida burdens the immune system, and its toxins are immunosuppressant, a vicious cycle exists.

v) Excess sugar consumption, of which most people are guilty, suppresses immunity (by depressing neutrophil and lymphocyte activity), and alcohol has a similar effect. (Sugar, of course, also feeds Candida.)

vi) Caffeine (from coffee and to a lesser degree in cocoa and tea) is an adrenal stressor, and depleted adrenal glands predispose to the development of candidiasis by lowering the immune system. We have also seen claims that caffeine also destroys friendly bacteria. We have not found any evidence as to whether this is true or untrue but if it is is true, this is a second mechanism by which caffeine may contribute to candida overgrowth.

2) A deficiency of dietary fibre encourages intestinal candidiasis because dietary fibre gives rise to short-chain fatty acids, which inhibit the growth of Candida. A deficiency of dietary fibre also tends to cause constipation, which is another factor making candida overgrowth more likely to occur (see below).

3) Clinical over usage of antibiotics is widely recognized to precipitate Candida overgrowth. Antibiotics kill the healthy gut bacteria that normally compete with Candida for food and space, and also secrete anti-candidal substances.

4) The popularity of oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy is thought provoke candida overgrowth. Steroids used are thought to exert a similar effect, and additionally are immunosuppressive.

5) Pregnancy or multiple pregnancies which can upset the body's hormonal balance

6) Yeast and yeast products as well as molds and fermented foods.

7) Prolonged exposure to environmental molds.

8) A sluggish thyroid gland predisposes one to candida overgrowth. Moreover candida may also also affect the effectiveness of the thyroid hormones that the body is producing.

9) Chronic constipation (possibly caused by some of the above factors, such as psychological stress, lack of dietary fibre or lowered thyroid activity) allows a environment in which candida and other unhealthy micro-organisms can more easily flourish.

Candida’s Food

The fungus (yeast) thrive on your own nutrients (minerals, proteins, and fats). This creates further deficiencies, especially of minerals (iron, selenium, zinc, etc.). Without minerals, your blood remains in an acidic condition.

The most important organs for creating energy are your adrenals and thyroid. They both need an ongoing steady supply of minerals. When mineral levels are low, you have very little energy. Feeling exhausted, you then crave carbohydrates for short-term energy. More minerals are called from various places (especially your bones and teeth) to keep a level of balance in your bloodstream. As your body continues to become even more acidic, the yeast infection escalates and can even become acute. Viral infections and cancer also grow and expand in this acidic condition.

According to antibody studies done at the Atkins Center, a yeast infection is involved in more than 80% of all cases of Crohn’s disease and colitis.

How to Keep Candida Under Control

Avoid Sugar, Gluten and Dairy

Take a Good Probiotic

Take a good Antifungal

Support Your Immune system

** Please be aware, that when trying to eliminate candida, you will most likely have a hard time with 'die off' or a Herxheimer reaction. **

Natural Anti-fungals

There are a number of natural antifungals that you can take in supplement form or even add into your diet. These work by breaking down the cell walls of the Candida yeast, and are an important part of your diet.

Aloe Vera

Black Walnut

Caprylic Acid

Cloves

Garlic

Goldenseal

Grapefruit Seed

Olive Leaf Extract

Oregano Oil

Oregon Grape

Pantethine

Pau d'Arco

Anti-fungal Medications

Diflucan

Eraxis

Nystatin

Lufenuron

Lufenuron is much better known in the veterinary world as Program. It is used to treat parasite infections such as fleas. It works because it inhibits chitin production. Humans and, indeed, all mammals do not produce chitin and therefore the potential for side effects in humans is very small. Insects do need chitin to make a tough exoskeleton. Interestingly, so do yeasts and moulds – it is chitin in their cell wall that makes them so tough and difficult to kill. Therefore, potentially Lufenuron can be used to kill yeasts and moulds and, indeed, this has been well demonstrated in the veterinary world. It is not metabolised or eliminated by the liver or kidneys, but excreted through the faeces and again this makes it remarkably non-toxic. Lufenuron is very lipid soluble – this means it is taken over five days and loads up into fatty tissues from which it is slowly released over four to six weeks. This maintains tissue concentrations high enough to kill all yeast, including candida, for at least a month and possibly longer. One can get die-off reactions, but that is the case with any antifungal which is effective.I have spoken to several people that have seen AMAZING results using this!

Candida Elimination & Die Off

Please note that when you begin your journey to rid your body of Candida, you may experience "die off" - this is normal. A lot of people stop treatment when"die off" starts. Huge mistake!!

What is Die Off??

When yeast cells are rapidly killed, a die-off (or Herxheimer reaction) occurs and metabolic by-products are released into the body. The Candida yeast cells actually release 79 different toxins when they die.

Candida Die-Off symptoms will vary from person to person, as each will have different degrees of infestation. If you are having severe Die-Off symptoms, slow down your treatment and reduce your dosage of probiotics and antifungals. The liver is your main pathway for eliminating toxins, and the Die-Off symptoms mean that it is being overwhelmed. Milk Thistle is GREAT for clearing the liver! I have actually rid myself of fatty liver disease by using Milk Thistle! It works! Molybdenum in particular is very useful for those suffering from Die-Off. It converts the neurotoxin acetaldehyde into acetic acid, which is then expelled by your body or even converted into helpful digestive enzymes.

Here is a list of some of the symptoms you might experience during a die-off (otherwise known as a Herxheimer reaction).

Nausea

Headache, fatigue, dizziness

Swollen glands

Bloating, gas, constipation or diarrhea

Increased joint or muscle pain

Elevated heart rate

Chills, cold feeling in your extremities

Body itchiness, hives or rashes

Sweating

Fever

Skin breakouts

Recurring vaginal, prostate and sinus infections

Hang in there, it WILL get better!

Probiotic Information

SUPPLEMENT: Fructo-oligosaccharides (FOS)USED FOR: Indigestion and prevention of eczemaACTION: A “prebiotic,” which is a source of food for friendly bacteria in the gutHOW TO TAKE: 2,000 to 3,000 mg per day with meals, reduce dosage if you experience gas

Active-culture yoghurt provides probiotic bacteria, as does kefir (drinkable yoghurt), cottage cheese, and some milks; there are even snack bars on the market, such as Attune bars and Lifeway Kefir Wellness Bars, with probiotic bacteria. Probiotic dietary supplements are available as powder, capsules, tablets, chewables, gummies, and liquid.Probiotic gummies are a great option for children. You can use these flavourful treats to add probiotics into your child’s daily routine, or to help her take probiotics after a bout of diarrhoea due to antibiotics or infection. Look for a product without artificial flavours, colours or preservatives, and no more than 4 grams of sugar per serving.

STRAIN:Bifidobacterium lactisUSED FOR: Diarrhoea (post-antibiotic and traveler’s)ACTION: Restores gut microfloraHOW TO TAKE: 1 to 3 billion live organisms per day or follow label directions. Start before antibiotic use and continue afterwards for as many days as the antibiotics were used or start a few days before a trip and continue daily during travel.

STRAIN:Lactobacillus acidophilusUSED FOR: Strengthening immune system and fighting yeast infectionACTION: Creates acidic environment to discourage growth of harmful microorganisms and produces natural antibioticsHOW TO TAKE: 1 billion live organisms per day or follow label directions. Another yeast infection option: insert capsule as a vaginal suppository or apply active-culture yoghurt daily to the vagina for up to two weeks (and once a week for prevention).

STRAIN: Lactobacillus caseiUSED FOR: Diarrhoea (post-antibiotic and traveler’s)ACTION: Replenishes healthy gut floraHOW TO TAKE: 1 to 3 billion live organisms per day or follow label directions. Start before antibiotic use and continue afterwards for as many days as the antibiotics were used or start a few days before a trip and continue daily during travel.

STRAIN: Lactobacillus GGUSED FOR: Diarrhoea (infectious, post-antibiotic, and traveler’s), irritable bowel syndrome, strengthening immune system, and prevention of tooth decayACTION: Replenishes gut flora; blocks growth of harmful bacteriaHOW TO TAKE: 1 to 3 billion live organisms per day for adults or follow label directions; children age 6 to 12 can take one-half of the adult dose and for aged 6 years old, take one-fourth of the adult dose. Start before antibiotic use and continue afterwards for as many days as the antibiotics were used or start a few days before a trip and continue daily during travel.

STRAIN: Lactobacillus plantarum 299vUSED FOR: Irritable bowel syndrome or other digestive upset leading to pain, wind, bloating, and diarrhoeaACTION: Balances gut flora and inhibits growth of unhealthy bacteriaHOW TO TAKE: 10 to 20 billion live organisms per day or follow label directions.

STRAIN: Saccharomyces boulardiiUSED FOR: Diarrhoea (Crohn’s disease-related, post-antibiotic, and traveler’s)ACTION: Promotes healthy gut floraHOW TO TAKE: 5 to 10 billion live organisms one to four times a day.

STRAIN: Streptococcus thermophilusUSED FOR: Diarrhoea (infectious, post-antibiotic, and traveler’s)ACTION: Restores gut flora and inhibits growth of harmful bacteriaHOW TO TAKE: 1 to 3 billion live organisms per day or follow label directions. Start before antibiotic use and continue afterwards for as many days as the antibiotics were used or start a few days before a trip and continue daily during travel.

What are biofilms? Biofilms are protective communities where various forms of the Lyme bacteria can hide from prescriptive antibiotics, herbal antimicrobials, and the immune system. In chronic Lyme and associated diseases they can cause treatment resistance and relapse once antibiotics or herbal antimicrobials are stopped. In biofilms bacteria produce and cover themselves in a layer of slime composed of mucopolysaccharides.

​To add structure, the bacteria recruit a protein found in blood called fibrinogen which they then convert to the protein fibrin. Because the fibrin gives structure, the bacteria in biofilms can rid themselves of their outer protein coverings making it harder for the immune system to react against them. In addition the slime layer covers the germs so the immune system cannot see them and antibiotics or antimicrobial supplements cannot reach the germs. Within the biofilms the germs establish highly organized structures and functions where they communicate using various chemical messengers, excrete waste through channels and perform other complex activities to promote the longevity of the community.

Eva Sapi PhD and her colleagues are performing groundbreaking Lyme Disease research. In the past 2 years she has published two articles based on petri dish experiments in her lab. The first published over a year ago shows that the herbs Banderol and Samento used together completely eliminate biofilm communities and eradicate nearly every germ living in them. Her more recent study of 5 different antibiotics shows that prescription tinidazole decreases the size of biofilm communities and eliminates the germs living in them by over 90 percent.

Biofilms require calcium, magnesium and contain other minerals and heavy metals. Most believe that treating biofilms in the last four months of treatment prevents relapse or anytime in treatment when resistance to antibiotics or herbal antimicrobials is blocking progress. When treating biofilms, sometimes die-off Herxheimer reactions can occur. In a die off reaction the immune system makes more inflammatory chemicals that can temporarily make the Lyme and associated diseases symptoms worse.

Too much stress or fearful negative thinking can actually play a big part in disease formation and in recovery. This mind body connection is often overlooked in modern medical treatments. Often doctors treat patients for chronic conditions that start out fairly mild but evolve into more serious conditions, but can become worse because negative emotions affect your health. This may seem far-fetched, but the body becomes vulnerable to germs and viruses when the immune system becomes impaired.

Negative feelings, stress, sadness, and worry also cause a spike in the hormone cortisol, which in turn suppresses the immune system. A study published in Psychosomatic Medicine reported that HIV patients who wrote about their worries for 30 minutes a day four days in a row experienced a drop in their viral load and a rise in infection-fighting T cells. Another study, in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology, found that breast cancer patients who talked about their feelings regarding cancer had to schedule fewer doctors' visits for cancer-related problems.

In life we carry around past hurts, fears, anger, frustration, sadness, grief, inner secrets, and more. When we carry these emotions we find ourselves getting sick physically and mentally. We also do not live our life to the fullest. We limit our success both in business and in our personal life.

How can I overcome my emotional burdens?

What can you do to help yourself eliminate these negative emotions? All you can do is start peeling away the layers of the onion. Peeling the onion is all about peeling away the built-up layers of which your negative emotions are comprised: inaccurate negative information about yourself, unhealthy habits, early imprints, old hurts and past failures.

Ideas for 'peeling the onion'

7 nights in a row: write an entire page worth of a constant stream of consciousness. Do not lift your pen, keep writing whatever thoughts come to mind for an entire page. This is different than a diary. Just let go and let the emotions flow through your heart and mind, right onto your paper.

Do yoga or Tai Chi or other light exercise. Exercise has been called soul food for the mind & spirit. (aerobics or other high impact exercises are not a good idea in Lyme according to Dr Burrascano's Protocol!)

Write a letter to release feelings of anger and frustration. You don’t have to worry about sugar-coating anything, because you are not actually going to send it to anybody. This is incredibly freeing.

When you feel down in the dumps, instead of drinking alcohol, stuffing it down with comfort food, watching a movie to get your mind off it, look at it in the face. How? Take a bath, meditate, go for a quiet walk. Allow the feelings to manifest and fully embrace them. Cry, yell, scream… just allow whatever needs to happen, happen.

Lastly write down an affirmation when going through an emotional detox and read it before bed or first thing in the morning: example: “I have the courage to release toxic emotions in a positive and constructive manner." or "I am killing the Lyme and my body is healing." - It can be anything you like.

Seek spiritual guidance from your pastor, rabbi, etc.

Pray or meditate.

Get counselling.

Join a Lyme support group - although some groups are full of super inflated internet egos, be careful. This can exasperate the issues. The first sign of drama, LEAVE.

Eliminate 'happiness vampires'. This is very hard to do, I know! Even if they are family members, sometimes you have to say enough is enough and cut ties. You will be so much happier and your body will heal faster when you do. You cannot be surrounded by drama queens, liars, naysayers, gossips and expect to heal fully! I am not saying be nasty about it. You don't have to create more issues, by trying eliminate issues! Do what you have to do for you! Change numbers, switch jobs, move, deactivate your Facebook or Twitter accounts, or delete the person that is causing you grief.

Does Lyme Rage exist?

Absolutely! This is not normally discussed in Lyme groups. People are often too embarrassed. I started noticing that my temper was 'short' soon after I was bitten. I assumed it was hormonal. Over the past few years it has become progressively worse. It's like I have no filter and no fear at times. It can come out of nowhere! You can go from normal to a raging homicidal lunatic over minor things. It's frightening at times. The best advice that I can give on this is to see a Lyme literate psychologist or counselor if possible, speak to your minister or other faith leader & try the above suggestions. I keep a journal, which helps tremendously & I have eliminated every single toxic person that I know from my life. I also pray A LOT!

Bio-Photon Coherency Therapy assists the body's immune system to function at optimum levels, which enables the body to heal itself. The therapy utilises a series of instruments capable of measuring light emissions from acupuncture points, using fibre-optic cables and crystal electrodes. Once these light emissions or vibrations have been located the readings are fed into the system, which is fully equipped with therapy programmes based on common symptoms of other patient’s experiences.

The therapeutic process is then delivered using optical glass electrodes, held in the patient's hands.

Biophoton light therapy is completely safe, painless and non-invasive. The number of treatments one might need depends upon factors such as, the body’s own power of recovery, the duration and seriousness of the problem and historic and current use of medications.

The History Behind the Technology

To many, words such as biophotons, biontology and light therapy seem new and even a little mysterious. Surprisingly, these very words can actually trace their roots back to ancient Egyptian science. However, it wasn’t until much later, 1923 actually, that Alexander Gurwitsch, originated the morphogenic field theory and discovered the biophoton. By the 1970’s, German, biophysicist, Fritz-Albert Popp proved Gurwitsch’s findings, confirmed the existence of biophotons and developed biophoton theory: a theory confirmed by such eminent scientists as, Herber Froehlich and Nobel Prize winner for Science, Ilya Prigogine.

Technical developments in the 70's made it possible to observe and measure very tiny amounts of light. This led to the discovery that cells in our bodies are continuously absorbing and emitting light (each cell emits 100,000 photons per second). It was suspected, and later verified, that these biophotons serve as the information system which steers and controls the thousands of biochemical reactions taking place within each cell every second of our lives. In other words, biophotons are the software that run all body functions.

Coherent light has the capacity to carry large bundles of information, which incoherent light cannot do. For example, laser beams can carry the digital data for our computer and phone systems across miles of fiber-optic cables. In the same way, information piggybacked on coherent light is what controls and coordinates all chemical reactions in the cells of our bodies. If the light is incoherent, the information that it carries has been corrupted. The faulty information causes disordered cell activity, which in turn causes illness.

Hormones are powerful chemical messengers that circulate through your bloodstream to specific target cells where they generate a wide range of biological responses. Think of hormones as the "prime movers" of your physical and emotional well being.Every time you get angry, become tired, laugh, cry, have sex, wake up, feel hungry, or fall asleep your body is responding to hormones. That's because hormone levels can impact virtually every major system and organ in your body.

Lets start with DHEA

DHEA is the acronym for DEHYDROEPIANDROSTERONE, a human hormone synthesized from pregnenolone and is easily converted into other hormones, especially estrogen and testosterone. DHEA is a steroid hormone, and is considered a ‘chemical cousin’ of testosterone and estrogen.

Where does DHEA come from?

DHEA is made from cholesterol by the adrenal glands, which sit atop each kidney. In the first few years of life, the adrenals make very little DHEA. Around age 6-7, they begin producing more of it. The DHEA levels peak between ages 20-25 when DHEA is the most abundant hormone in circulation, and then decrease approximately 10% per decade. From the early 30s on, there is a steady decline in DHEA production, so the average 75-year-old has only 20% of the DHEA in circulation that he or she had 50 years earlier. At all ages, men tend to have higher DHEA levels than women do. Studies have also shown that DHEA creates an increase in sexual aggressiveness, which is a sign that DHEA is indeed converted into testosterone.

Is DHEA important?

Studies have shown that DHEA can prevent or delay the onset of cancer, "hardening" of the arteries, lethal viral infections, lowered immunity, obesity, and diabetes.

Not really dangerous, no. You aren't going to drop dead if you have low DHEA however, many diseases associated with aging have been attributed to a decrease in DHEA. Exercise, proper diet, stress management, and nutrient supplementation can increase the circulation of DHEA throughout the body, which in turn improves conditions associated with the aging process.Should I take DHEA supplements?

A word of caution when taking DHEA supplements: DHEA converts into estrogen and testosterone, so taking DHEA in supplement form (any hormone for that matter) can be dangerous if not monitored closely -- since estrogen and testosterone both can speed-up the development of cancer. (Progesterone and Estrogens should be BALANCED, especially if you still have your uterus in tact!

What is testosterone?

A product of DHEA and progesterone, testosterone takes credit for the human sex drive – or lack of, as the case may be. Testosterone is the most critical hormone involved in the human sex drive - in both men and women. Testosterone also supports bones and muscle, as well as the cardiovascular system.

Can men have hormone imbalances?

In men, the amount of testosterone usually does not allow Estradiol to have any significant physiological effects on the body. If the amount of Estradiol compared to testosterone increases, physiological changes can take place such as broadening of the the mid section, enlarged breasts, decreased sex drive, and many other symptoms associated with low testosterone.

At all ages, men tend to have higher DHEA levels than women do. Studies have also shown that DHEA creates an increase in sexual aggressiveness, which is a sign that DHEA is indeed converted into testosterone.

Does testosterone decrease with age?

Testosterone decreases with age in both men and women, and supplementation has been used successfully for the treatment of some post-menopausal symptoms such as:

Lack of libido

Anemia

Muscle weakness

Testosterone and women

Testosterone is the most important hormone for maintaining a sex drive in women, and a deficiency can cause impaired sexual function.

In females, testosterone is required for:

Proper musculo-skeletal development

General anabolic activity

Libido

Testosterone peak in men

Testosterone levels reach their peak in twenty to thirty year old males and decline with each passing decade. In men, low testosterone levels have been linked to:

Decreased sex drive

Impotency

Infertility

Abnormal breast enlargement

Fatigue

Depression

Lowered motivation

Irritability

Weight gain

Decreased body hair

Shrinking of the testes

Anemia

Thinning of the skin with increased wrinkle development

Decreased muscle size and strength

Increased risk for osteoporosis and prostate cancer

What is Estrogen?

Estrogen in our body actually is not a single hormone but a trio of hormones working together. The three components of estrogen are: estrone (E1), estradiol (E2), and estriol (E3). In addition, there are at least 24 other identified types of estrogen produced in the woman's body, and more will be discovered. In healthy young women, the typical mix approximates 15/15/70 percent respectively. This is the combination worked out by Mother Nature as optimum for human females. Today, we use the word estrogen loosely to include also a family of hormones, including animal estrogens, synthetic estrogens, phytoestrogens (plant estrogens), and xenoestrogens (environmental estrogens, usually from toxins such as pesticides).

Estrogen is a pro-growth hormone. Since too much of anything is generally not good, the body has another hormone to offset and counterbalance the effects of estrogen. It is called progesterone. When these hormones are NOT working the way they should, issues such as Estrogen Dominance can occur.

What is estradiol?

Estradiol is the most active form of estrogen in the human body and helps maintain the size and density of breast tissue, though excessive amounts may increase the risk of some forms of breast cancer. Estradiol has a positive effect on skin thickness, skin collagen, water content, skin softness, and blood flow to the skin. Estradiol lowers LDL (the bad cholesterol) and total cholesterol while increasing HDL levels (the good cholesterol) and also significantly reduces the risk of developing heart disease.

Estradiol is the primary estrogen produced by the ovaries and is the principal female sex hormone responsible for secondary sex characteristics. Estradiol modulates the course of both the menstrual cycle and menopause, and proper levels, support well being during menstruation.

What is estrone? Estrone, formed from Estradiol, is a weak estrogen and the most abundant found in the body AFTER menopause in women.

What is progesterone?

Progesterone is a hormone produced in the body which helps to regulate the menstrual cycle of women. Men also produce a small amount of this hormone, but it is less important to sexual maturity in men than is testosterone. Chemical forms of progesterone are widely used by women as part of birth control. The hormone's unique aspects tend to explain its effectiveness as a birth control method.

In women, progesterone is produced just before ovulation in order to enhance the possibility of becoming pregnant. The rise in levels prior to ovulation increases the body temperature slightly; creates more vaginal mucus, which makes sperm more likely to survive to reach and fertilize an egg; and makes the uterus muscles less likely to contract. If a woman does become pregnant, main production of progesterone switches over to the developing placenta around the eighth week of pregnancy.

If a woman does not become pregnant, hormone levels begin to decline after ovulation, enough so that the uterine lining is shed. Along with estrogen, progesterone maintains the balance of the women's menstrual cycle, producing monthly periods or menstruation. Progesterone offsets and counterbalances the effects of estrogen.When these hormones are NOT working the way they should, issues such as Estrogen Dominance can occur. For a plethora of information on progesterone, please visit Dr. Lee's site here.

Estrogen Effect vs. Progesterone Effect

Estrogen Causes endometrium to proliferate

Estrogen Causes breast stimulation that can lead to breast cancer

Estrogen Increases body fat

Estrogen Increase endometrial cancer risk

Estrogen Increase gallbladder disease risk

Estrogen Restrains osteoclast function slightly

Estrogen Reduces vascular tone

Estrogen Increase blood clot risk

Progesterone

Maintains secretory endometrium

Protects against fibrocystic breast and prevents breast cancer

Helps use fat for energy

Prevents endometrial cancer

Promote osteoblast function, leading to bone growth

Restores vascular tone

Normalize blood clot

What is pregnenolone?

Pregnenolone is converted directly from cholesterol into DHEA, progesterone, the estrogens, testosterone, and cortisol. Many consider pregnenolone to be the most important hormone in the human body, as it is able to regulate the levels of all the steroid hormones. Pregnenolone is concentrated in the brain ten times higher than the other stress-related hormones and appears to be a memory enhancer.

Does pregnenolone decrease with age?

By age 75, the human body produces less than 60% pregnenolone than when in our mid-30s. This is one of the body’s biomarkers of aging. And since pregnenolone is the raw material used for the production of the other steroid hormones, they too, decline with age.

Studies show that pregnenolone increases motivation, long-term memory, and the ability to acquire knowledge while reducing stress-related fatigue.

What is cortisol?

Cortisol is a steroid hormone made in the adrenal glands, which are small glands adjacent to the kidneys. The hormone is released in the body during stress; hence is called the "stress hormone." But cortisol is more than a simple marker of stress levels - it is necessary for the function of almost every part of the body.

Among its important functions in the body include roles in the regulation of blood pressure and cardiovascular function as well as regulation of the body's use of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. Cortisol secretion increases in response to any stress to the body, whether physical such as illness, trauma, surgery, or temperature extremes, or psychological. Cortisol levels in normal individuals are highest in the early morning at around 6-8 am and are lowest around midnight. In addition to early morning, cortisol levels may be somewhat higher after meals.

Is cortisol good for me?

When cortisol is secreted, it creates the following:

A breakdown of muscle protein, leading to the release of amino acids (which are the "building blocks" of protein) into the bloodstream.

These amino acids are then used by the liver to synthesize glucose for energy, in a process called gluconeogenesis.

This process raises the blood sugar level so the brain will have more glucose for energy.

At the same time, the other tissues of the body decrease their use of glucose as fuel.

Cortisol also leads to the release of so-called fatty acids, an energy source from fat cells, for use by the muscles.

Taken together, these energy-directing processes prepare the individual to deal with stresses and ensure that the brain receives adequate energy sources.

What is the best way to test my cortisol levels?

While the most common test is measurement of cortisol in the blood, most modern practitioners measure cortisol through saliva, as salivary cortisol levels have been shown to be a more accurate hormonal index. 24 hour urine is not very accurate.

Vitamin D

vitamin or hormone? Also what makes vitamin D unique compared to other vitamins, is that when your body gets its vitamin D, it turns vitamin D into a hormone. This hormone is sometimes called “activated vitamin D” or “calcitriol.”Vitamin D isn’t like most other vitamins. Your body can make its own vitamin D when you expose your skin to sunlight. But your body can’t make other vitamins. You need to get other vitamins from the foods you eat. For example, you need to get vitamin C from fruits and vegetables. Getting the right amount of vitamin D doesn’t depend on the foods you eat. To get enough vitamin D you need to expose your skin to sunlight regularly and you may also need to take supplements. This makes getting the right amount a little more complex compared to other vitamins and minerals.

Some of the functions of the body that vitamin D helps with include:

Immune system, which helps you to fight infection

Muscle function

Cardiovascular function, for a healthy heart and circulation

Respiratory system –for healthy lungs and airways

Brain development

Anti-cancer effects

Your body gets vitamin D mainly from sunlight, though very small amounts can also be found in a few foods. You can also get vitamin D by taking supplements.

Most doctors 'think' that 14 days worth of Doxycycline will kill off the Lyme Borreliosis and that you're healed. This may be the case if you are bitten, rip the tick off and high tail it to your doctor asap! Nothing could be further from the truth if you have had untreated Lyme for weeks, months or years.

If you are lucky, you may get IV antibiotics for up to a month. It depends on where you live and how understanding your doctor is. Lyme is often referred to as a 'rich persons disease'. Believe me, nothing is worse than having chronic Lyme, being refused adequate treatment by your doctor and not having enough money to fund private treatment. One visit can cost hundreds if not thousands, IF you are lucky enough to find a LLMD (Lyme Literate Medical Doctor). In the US, it's hard, but in the UK it is IMPOSSIBLE to find an LLMD that the GMC (General Medical Council) have not tried to destroy. You can (if you're feeling brave) self-treat. There are many reputable online pharmacies that you can purchase antibiotics from, if that's the route that you chose to take.

(Please note that not all co-infections can be erradicated with antibiotics, some require antimalarial drugs etc.)

Common Antibiotics Used in the Treatment of Lyme Borrelia (borreliosis)

Doxycycline. This antibiotic is effective against both Lyme disease and human granulocytic anaplasmosis (HGA) and so is the standard antibiotic for any patient over 8 years old (except pregnant women). Doxycycline cannot be used routinely in children under 8 years old. It is a form of tetracycline and as such discolors teeth and inhibits bone growth. It can also cause birth defects, so it should not be used during pregnancy.

Either amoxicillin (one of the penicillins) or cefuroxime (Ceftin) -- a drug known as a cephalosporin -- are the alternative treatments for young children and some adults. Amoxicillin is the first choice and also probably the best antibiotic for pregnant women. Unfortunately, many people are allergic to penicillin. In addition, strains of bacteria are emerging that are resistant to penicillins.

Intravenous ceftriaxone -- another cephalosporin -- may be warranted if there are signs of infection in the central nervous system (the brain or spinal region) or heart.Other types of antibiotics, such as macrolides, are not normally used for first-line therapy.

Common Antiparasitic & Intracellular Drugs Used in Treating Babesia (co-infection)

Scientists recognize more than a dozen tick borne diseases and new ones are still being discovered. One tick may carry more than one disease, so sometimes people get more than one co-infection from the bite of a single tick.

Co-infections are opportunistic infections caused by pathogens, particularly opportunistic pathogens (those that take advantage of certain situations), such as bacterial, viral, fungal or protozoan infections that usually do not cause disease in a healthy host. A compromised immune system, however, presents an "opportunity" for the pathogen to infect the host rendering them very ill. Normally where there is Lyme, there are co-infections which makes treatment that more difficult.​Some of the most common “co-infections” carried are Babesia, Bartonella, and Mycoplasma. However, there are more. Each of these co-infections will require a different treatment if they are to be eradicated. New organisms are being discovered in ticks all the time, such as toxoplasmosis, giardia, roundworms, tapeworms, thread worms,amoebas, clostridia, the herpes virus family, parvovirus B 19, leptospirosis,chronic strep infections, molds and fungi, active measles (in the small intestine), Chlamydophila pneumoniae, Human Herpes Virus #6 (HHV6). Some of these infections may have been already present prior to being infected with Lyme. Each add to the complication of Lyme disease. Since few MD's are not literate in Lyme or other zoonotic infections they will fail to recognize symptoms as a specific co-infection, as well as Lyme itself.

Co-infections are not all the same in each person. Some Lyme infected people may not have any coinfections at all and then others may have many.

Symptoms onset: Some may have no symptoms or only mild symptoms and therefore goes untreated, later becoming chronic.

Malaise

fatigue

lack of appetite

fever

chills

headache

sore throat

hoarse voice

cough lasting many weeks (yellow or green mucus)

difficulty breathing

may have runny nose

and rapid breathing.

Some people have chest pain, often sharp, when taking a breath or coughing.

A severe sinusitis

Diagnosis: The commonly used serologic criteria used to evaluate C pneumoniae pneumonia are an IgM titer exceeding 1:16 or a 4-fold increase in the immunoglobulin G (IgG) titer by microimmunofluorescence (MIF). (Note: A complement-fixing [CF] test cross-reacts with C psittaci.) However, serologic testing is poorly standardized and studies have shown poor reproducibility. In addition, the presence of a single elevated IgG titer may not be reliable, because elderly patients can have persistently elevated IgG titers due to repeated infections.

The absence of detectable antibodies several weeks after the onset of infection does not exclude a diagnosis of acute C pneumoniae pneumonia, because the IgM antibody response may take as long as 6 weeks, and the IgG antibody response may take as long as 8 weeks to appear in primary infections.

In some laboratories, a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay with pharyngeal swab, bronchoalveolar lavage, sputum, or tissue can be used to seek C pneumoniae –specific DNA. This is the most promising rapid test but remains experimental.

The FilmArray Respiratory Panel is a multiplex PCR that detects common respiratory viruses in nasopharyngeal specimens. In 2012, the US Food and Drug Administration approved the addition of 2 corona viruses and 3 bacteria to the Panel, including Chlamydophila pneumoniae, Bordetella pertussis, and Mycoplasma pneumonia. The FilmArray Panel can now detect 17 viruses and 3 bacteria from a single sample. Reported sensitivity and specificity were both 100% for Chlamydophila pneumoniae but fewer than 10 positive samples were available for analysis.

In one study, the accuracy of PCR was compared with that of MIF IgM during an outbreak of C pneumoniae. PCR was less sensitive (68% vs 79%, respectively) but more specific than MIF IgM (93% vs 86%, respectively).

Cell culture with oropharyngeal swabs is probably the best test to detect C pneumoniae, but it requires specialized culture techniques and is performed only in research laboratories.

The white blood cell count is usually not elevated in C pneumoniae infection. Alkaline phosphate levels may be elevated.

Treatment: Antibiotics and more

**Inappropriate antibiotic treatment may lead to chronic Chlamydia Pneumoniae**

C pneumoniae produces similar clinical symptoms to mycoplasma pneumoniae and respiratory viruses. There are reports linking C pneumoniae to myocardial and endocardial disease.

Tickborne Relapsing Fever

Bacteria: Borrelia turicatae Borrelia hermsii (spirochete's) Transmission:Ticks It can be transmitted from human to human by the body louse.Where: Southern British Columbia and western United States and Mexico.

Second stage- Drenching sweats. Severe drops in blood pressure can occur. Often accompanied by fatigue, malaise headache, myalgias, arthralgias, nausea, vomiting, anorexia, conjunctivitis and dry cough.Complications can occur such as myocarditis, meningitis, cranial neuropathies (especially facial palsy) seizures,bleeding, unsteadiness, pneumonia and even coma. Liver and spleen may be affected. It can also cause spontaneous abortion, premature birth or neonatal death.

Diagnosis:The organisms are best detected in blood obtained while a person is febrile. With subsequent febrile episodes, the number of circulating spirochetes decreases, making it harder to detect spirochetes on a peripheral blood smear. Even during the initial episode spirochetes will only be seen 70% of the time.

Treatment:Antibiotics. If untreated, the cycle usually reoccurs to as much as 10 cycles.

Tick-borne encephalitis (TBEV)

Virus: RNA virus known simply, as “tick-borne encephalitis virus,” or TBEV. The virus belongs to the genus Flavivirus, which contains several dozen human pathogens, including the causative agents of Yellow fever, dengue fever, West Nile encephalitis, Japanese encephalitis and Powassan fever. (The term “flavivirus” is Latin for “yellow virus”; Yellow fever was so named because of its propensity to turn its victims yellow with jaundice.) Flaviviruses are (mostly) spherical, symmetrical, linear and single stranded.Transmission:Transmitted to humans by the bite of infected arthropods, primarily mosquitoes and ticks. TBEV has three subtypes:Western European subtype (formerly Central European encephalitis virus, CEEV; principal tick vector: Ixodes ricinus);Siberian subtype (formerly West Siberian virus; principal tick vector: Ixodes persulcatus);Far Eastern subtype (formerly Russian Spring Summer encephalitis virus, RSSEV; principal tick vector: Ixodes persulcatus). The reference strain is the Sofjin strain.

Ticks act as both the vector and reservoir for TBEV. The main hosts are small rodents, with humans being accidental hosts. Large animals are feeding hosts for the ticks, but do not play a role in maintenance of the virus. The virus can chronically infect ticks and is transmitted both transtadially (from larva to nymph to adult ticks) and transovarially (from adult female tick through eggs). TBEV cases occur during the highest period of tick activity (between April and November), when humans are infected in rural areas through tick bites. Infection also may follow consumption of raw milk from goats, sheep, or cows. Transmission from an infected mother to fetus has occurred.

Symptoms: The incubation period of TBEV is usually between 7 and 14 days and is asymptomatic. Shorter incubation times have been reported after milk-borne exposure. A characteristic biphasic febrile illness follows, with an initial phase that lasts 2 to 4 days and corresponds to the viremic phase. It is non-specific with symptoms that may include fever, malaise, anorexia, muscle aches, headache, nausea, and/or vomiting. After about 8 days of remission, the second phase of the disease occurs in 20% to 30% of patients and involves the central nervous system with symptoms of meningitis (e.g., fever, headache, and a stiff neck) or encephalitis (e.g., drowsiness, confusion, sensory disturbances, and/or motor abnormalities such as paralysis) or meningoencephalitis. In contrast to RSSE, TBEV is more severe in adults than in children.

During the first phase of the disease, the most common laboratory abnormalities are a low white blood cell count (leukopenia) and a low platelet count (thrombocytopenia). Liver enzymes in the serum may also be mildly elevated. After the onset of neurologic disease during the second phase, an increase in the number of white blood cells in the blood and the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is usually found. Virus can be isolated from the blood during the first phase of the disease. Specific diagnosis usually depends on detection of specific IgM in either blood or CSF, usually appearing later, during the second phase of the disease.

The range of clinical manifestations can be observed following infection by either sub-type of TBEV viruses Biphasic symptomatology (fever then neurological disorders) is frequent after infection by the European TBEV subtype. Infections by the Far-eastern TBEV subtype are in general more severe and the case-fatality rate is higher. The Siberian subtype could be responsible for chronic TBEV.

Treatment:There is no specific drug therapy for TBE. Meningitis, encephalitis, or meningoencephalitis require hospitalization and supportive care based on syndrome severity. Anti-inflammatory drugs, such as corticosteroids, may be considered under specific circumstances for symptomatic relief. Intubation and ventilatory support may be necessary.There is no specific drug therapy for TBEV.

Tick Paralysis

Certain ticks secrete a neurotoxin. During the ticks blood meal it is released into the body. This toxin causes a progressive paralysis, starting in the feet and legs. The victim may feel listless and not well. Reflexes in affected areas are reduced or absent. Sometimes numbness and tingling in the face and limbs. The removal of the tick reverses the paralysis. If not removed the paralysis ascends and affects respiratory muscles. The paralysis ascends to the trunk, arms, and head within hours and may lead to respiratory failure and death. The disease can present as acute ataxia without muscle weakness.

Tick paralysis is believed to be due to toxins found in the tick's saliva that enter the bloodstream while the tick is feeding. The two ticks most commonly associated with North American tick paralysis are the Rocky Mountain wood tick (Dermacentor andersoni) and the American dog tick (Dermacentor variabilis); however, 43 tick species have been implicated in human disease around the world. In Australia, tick paralysis is caused by the tick Ixodes holocyclus. Prior to 1989, 20 fatal cases were reported in Australia.

Diagnosis:Diagnosis is based on symptoms and upon finding an embedded tick, usually on the scalp.In the absence of a tick, the differential diagnosis includes Guillain-Barre syndrome.

Treatment:Removal of the embedded tick usually results in resolution of symptoms within several hours to days. If the tick is not removed, the toxin can be fatal, with reported mortality rates of 10–12 percent, usually due to respiratory paralysis. The tick is best removed by grasping the tick as close to the skin as possible and pulling in a firm steady manner.

STARI (Southern Tick-Associated Rash Illness)

Also known as Masters' diseaseBacteria: Borrelia lonestariTransmission: Lone Star tickIncubation: unknownFound: Great Lakes area, Southeastern and south-central United StatesRash: Bull’s-eye rash usually appearing within seven days of a B.lonestari tick bite. (but not as common as thought)

Symptoms onset:Resembles influenza, with fatigue. Mild and indistinguishable from those of early Lyme disease. Sometimes fever (is not characteristic), headache, stiff neck, muscle pains, joint pain, mild symptoms of fatigue.Diagnosis: In the absence of a known etiological agent, it is impossible to develop serologic tests for STARI. Thus, the diagnosis of STARI is clinical and based primarily on the existence of the typical rash, ideally after a known Lone Star tick bite.

There appear to be some very subtle differences between Lyme and STARI rashes. STARI lesions are smaller on average and less variable in shape than those of Lyme disease, and also tend to have more central clearing – ironically, making them more likely to consistently resemble the iconic “bull’s eye” rash of Lyme disease than Lyme rashes themselves. Another difference in rash presentation is that secondary (multiple) lesions tend to be less common in STARI than in Lyme disease. In general, however, it is almost never possible to distinguish between Lyme and STARI rashes on the basis of appearance alone.

Although PCR tests have been developed to probe for B. lonestari DNA in tissue or blood samples, they are not commercially available and are of limited usefulness in any case as long as doubts remain about B. lonestari’s role in the etiology of STARI.

The organism: They infect endothelial cells lining the small blood vessels and smooth muscles that control the constriction of the blood vessel. They set off an immune reaction in the blood vessel causing the vessel to swell and become leaky.Symptoms onset: Untreated, it can sometimes be a fatal disease. After two to fourteen days, most infected people suffer from fever (can be very high), nausea and loss of appetite, headache, achiness, sore muscles.

Petechial rash comes about a week after flu like symptoms begin. A classic symptom is a rash (small, bright red spots) on the palms and soles of the feet, and most people will develop a rash which may begin around the wrists and ankles, but it sometimes starts on the trunk, yet fewer than half of the Rocky Mountain spotted fever infected people will have that.

Untreated, half will develop permanent neurological problems. There are reports of infection simply from contact with an infected tick, therefore if you handle a tick while removing it, be sure to wash your hands thoroughly to minimize your risk of infection with Rocky Mountain spotted fever. Complications can affect any system.

Diagnosis:Like Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain spotted fever is a clinical diagnosis, which means that it is up to your MD to evaluate your signs and symptoms to determine if you have the disease. Early blood tests are not accurate.TreatmentMedical (Doxycycline or chloramphenicol) or nathropathic, Herbs, RIFE or other

Q Fever

Bacteria: Coxiella burnetii - Infects the macrophages. (Rickettsiae occupy a position between bacteria and viruses. They can only survive inside cells)Transmission: Carried by cattle, sheep, cats, and goats. The organisms persist in contaminated soil. Possibly drinking an infected animal's non-pasteurized milk and ticks may also infect humans.Incubation: 2-6 weeks Found: worldwide and infection is common in ranchers, veterinarians, abattoir workers and others associated with cattle and livestock. Rash: None

Symptoms onset: After an incubation a flu-like illness commences. Shivering, anorexia,nausea and diarrhea.a severe headache, sore throat, neck stiffness. Few experience meningitis, encephalitis. Some develop abnormal liver function that can develop granulomatous hepatitis. Some experience Myocarditis (inflammation of the muscular walls of the heart) may include palpitations, malaise, joint/muscle pains, confusion, peripheral neuropathy, non-productive cough, chest pain or shortness of breath, pneumonia. Can vary from a trivial febrile illness to a full-blown pneumonia. Symptoms similar to those of Lyme disease.Most people with acute Q fever recover, even without treatment, but, a chronic form of the disease can develop anywhere from one to twenty years after initial exposure.

Infants and young children may also include:Bulging in the soft spots (fontanels) of the skull in infants, nausea and vomiting, body stiffness, constant, inconsolable crying, crying that worsens when the child is picked up, poor feeding.

Incubation: 5 to 7 daysFound: worldwideRash: Skin lesion satellite adenopathy, and an erythematous maculopapular rash.Symptoms: Resembles that of spotted fever.Eye problems, headache, vasculitis, fever, malaise, enlarged lymph nodes. With the onset of fever, a small button like ulcer 2 to 5 mm in diameter with a black center appears on about the 4th day of fever, a red maculopapular rash appears on the forearms and extends to most of the body, including the palms and soles. Fever lasts into the 2nd week.Diagnoses: Blood TestTreatment: antibiotics, RIFE, Herbs, other

Colorado Tick Fever

Also known as Mountain tick fever; Mountain fever; American mountain fever

Bacteria: A virus carried by tickTransmission: Rocky Mountain wood ticksIncubation: 4 to 20 days.Found: In the provinces of Alberta and British Columbia and the western Black Hills through the Rocky Mountains to the West Coast states of North America.

These symptoms last a few days, disappear then return for a few more days. For some, later, a single recurrence of fever will occur. Colorado tick fever lasts about one week but may linger for weeks to months.

Complications include: aseptic meningitis, encephalitis, and hemorrhagic fever.Diagnoses: Blood testTreatment: Removal of complete tick. Colorado tick fever usually goes away by itself and is not dangerous. When complications arise treatment for those symptoms will be required.

Brucellosis- Brucella

Also known as Bang's disease, Crimean fever, Gibraltar fever, Malta fever, Maltese fever, Mediterranean fever, Rock fever, or Undulant fever.Brucella B abortus accounts for the largest number of human cases of Brucellosis. B suis ranks second, and B. melitensis. B. canis is a rare infection. Brucella bacteria: Small, gram-negative, non-spore-forming, non-motile, rod shaped coccobacillus bacteria that lives within the macrophage cells, thus having the mechanisms to elude the immune system defenses. The organism normally enters through the mucous membranes of the throat from where it migrates to the regional lymph nodes. Here it multiplies before being released into the bloodstream from where it enters and resides in the Macrophage System. It invades multiple organs including cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, reproductive, urinary nervous systems digestive system, skeletal, pulmonary. It is a multi-systemic infection.

Transmission: 1. Infected blood sucking insects, such as ticks, fleas, mosquitoes and other parasites also transmit the infection to humans by bite and regurgitation.2. Handling infected animals or being in contact with animal fluids; urine, fluids of their eyes, wounds drainage from abscesses and genitals. The bacteria are able to penetrate open cuts or abrasions in the skin. 3. Inhalation from air born contaminants (primarily from occupational exposure meat-processing and livestock industries)4. Contact with infected animal feces5. Ingesting the contaminated meat, unpasteurized milk, and soft cheeses.6. Transmission from infected human to human by sexual contact or from mother to child may occur through breast milk.

Incubation: From a few days to a few months. During incubation the organism reside in the lymph nodes.Found: WorldwideRash: Less then 6% develop a maculopapular rash Symptoms Onset: There may be an absence of symptoms or flu-like symptoms. Chills, loss of appetite, weight loss, abdominal pain, headache, toxins in the blood, enlarged liver, enlarged spleen,fatigue,(High fever spiking every afternoon. Fever rises and falls in waves), sweats with perspiration (often with characteristic smell likened to wet hay), swollen lymph nodes, weakness,joint pain, body aches, migratory muscle and joint pains, back pain, irritability, depression, dizziness, chest pain, cough, difficulty breathing,

Symptoms may disappear for weeks or months and then return.

Diagnosis: General physical examination usually returns "normal"...nothing wrong with you. Regular blood tests have a high level of inaccuracy as the Brucella lives within the cells.The Western blot Test detects the presence of antibodies against a microorganism. This test is done by specialized labs.** Brucella is often misdiagnosed as Leptospirosis, Behçet’s syndrome, Lyme disease, Syphilis, Relapsing fever, Tuberculosis and more.

Treatment: Onset: Requires antibiotic therapy for 4–8 weeks and repeated if it relapses. Bed rest is also imperative. E.G.- A combination of minocycline and streptomycin, herbs, RIFE, other.

Rickettsia conorii (Boutonneuse fever)

Bacteria: R conorii. A Rickettsiae that occupy a position between bacteria and viruses. They can only survive inside cellsTransmission: Rhipicephalus sanguineus (dog tick) Hyalomma species in Cyprus.Incubation: 4-15 daysFound: Mediterranean countries & worldwide

Rash: The rash is spotty and blotchy and may persist for 2-3 weeks. It appears on days 3-5 of illness, spreading from the extremities to the trunk, neck, face, palms and soles within 36 hours, most commonly on the lower limbs. In some people a dry scab known as a tache noire (eschar) develops at the site of the tick bite. Papulovesicular(Africa)Symptoms onset: Fever 39-41°C with a skin rash appearing in two to six days. Headache, malaise, lymph, glands swollen, aching muscles,joints or both. Some have the rash, but not all.Boutonneuse fever complications are more common in persons with an underlying disease or in elderly persons Complications include: Thrombocytopenia, Renal failure, Hyponatremia, Hypocalcemia or Hypoxemia.

If left untreated, symptoms can include:

Purpuric rash

Lung problems

Heart problems

Jaundice

Muscular and bone aches

Meningitis

Swollen lymph nodes

Inflammation

Gastrointestinal bleeding

Enlarged blood vessels in eyes

Swelling of testicles

enlarged liver

enlarged spleen

Meningism- neck stiffness, intolerance of bright light, headache.

Diagnoses: Clinical in early stages. Blood test to detect the presence of antibodies to rickettsial antigensTreatment: Doxycycline, cloramphenicol,for two to four weeks. RIFE, other

Borrelia miyamotoi

Bacteria: B.miyamotoi a spirochete genus Borrelia comprises three major groups of species.1 The first group includes several agents of relapsing fever (RF), such as B. duttonii and B. hermsii.Transmission: Ticks-Ixodes species - I. scapularis,I rhipicephalus, I. ricinus,I. pacificus, I. persulcatus, I. ricinus and in all tick species that transmit Lyme disease.

Sometimes it is found in the infected tick alone and sometimes with the Bb.

Incubation: UnknownFound: Asia, Europe, North America, Russia.

Rash: (rare) erythema migrans Symptoms onset:Flu-like symptoms; chills, vomiting, headache, fever.Later it produces symptoms of relapsing fever. Relapses an average of 2 days to 2 weeks. Can cause myalgia & fatigueInfection can cause some similar symptoms of acute Lyme disease.

Anaplasmosis- Anasplasma

(previously known as HGA human granulocytic anaplasmosis)Bacteria: Anaplasma phagocytophilum. A Rickettsiae that occupy a position between bacteria and viruses. It can only survive inside cellsTransmission: Ixodes ticksIncubation: 5-21 days Found: Europe and North AmericaRash: Rarely. When it occurs it is red, flat or raised, pustular (pus-filled blister), or papular. More often individual,localised, and may represent tick bite lesions.

Symptoms onset:May be symptom-free or have only very mild symptoms. Those of poor immunity may have it severe.Flu like: Fever, fatigue, chills, severe headaches, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.

If left untreated:

Sharp, knife-like, and often behind the eyes type of headache.

Bleeding easily,kidney, heart, lung, organ problems

Inflammation, Fungal infections

muscle pain

Peripheral neuropathy

Respiratory problems

Lingering symptoms after treatment may be caused from the after effects of complications.

Diagnosis: Three tests can be performed to determine an A. phagocytophilum infection:Indirect immunofluorescence assay is the principal test used to detect infection. The acute and convalescent phase serum samples can be evaluated to look for a four-fold change in antibody titer to A. phagocytophilum.Intracellular Inclusions (morulae) are visualized in granulocytes on Wright- or Giemsa- stained blood smears.Polymerase chain reaction assays are used to detect A. phagocytophilum DNA.

Treatment: E.G. Antibiotic (Tetracycline) RIFE, Herbs, other

Babesiosis (Babesia)

Babesiosis is a vector-borne malaria-like parasitic disease caused by protozoan parasites. Babesiosis is an infection of rodents, cattle, wild animals and man and is spread by the bites of ticks.

Babesial parasites reproduce in red blood cells, forming cross-shaped inclusions (rarely seen). There are over a hundred different Babesia species. It can also be transmitted by blood transfusion.

Ehrlichia (ehrlichiosis)

Ehrlichia (ehrlichiosis)

There are two kinds of ehrlichiosis, both of which are caused by tick-borne rickettsial parasites called Ehrlichia that infect different kinds of white blood cells. In HME (human monocytic ehrlichiosis), they infect (monocytes) white blood cells. Monocyte is a type of leukocyte, part of the human body's immune system.

In HGE (human granulocytic ehrlichiosis), they infect granulocytes, a category of white blood cells characterised by the presence of granules in their cytoplasm.HGE was renamed anaplasmosis in 2003. Ticks carry many Ehrlichia-like parasites that have not been identified yet.

Bacteria: Ehrlichia chaffeensis and Ehrlichia ewingii.A Rickettsiae that occupy a position between bacteria and viruses. They can only survive inside cells. Infection of white blood cells.

Transmission: Amblyomma americanum (Lone Star tick)

Incubation: 5 to 21 days

Found: North America, Europe and Africa

Rash: Appears from day 0 to 13. Not everyone gets the rash. The rash is more common in children than adults.It takes various forms. Described as red, petechial (small red or purple spots due to bleeding into the skin), macular (flat discolourations), and papular (small lumps). Less commonly, lesions are described as nodular (larger solid bumps),blistering,purpuric,vasculitic, mottled, blotchy, crusted, or ulcerated. May display multiple types of lesions. When severe there is a widespread rash over the body (except for soles and palms) and a scaly shedding of the skin.

Symptoms: Appear from a week to a month after infection. May be symptom-free or have only very mild symptoms.Those with impaired immunity may experience more severe symptoms.

Children may also suffer from swelling of the hands and feet, fever, fatigue, chills, severe headaches, muscle aches, nausea, vomiting, and loss of appetite.

Diagnoses: Blood test Treatment: Antibiotic (Tetracycline) RIFE, Herbs, other Untreated, the disease can sometimes be fatal in a few weeks, especially in children.

Bartonella (Bartonellosis)

Bartonella are bacteria that live inside cells; they can infect humans, mammals, and a wide range of wild animals. Not all Bartonella species cause disease in humans. Bartonella henselae causes an important emerging infection first reported in 1990 and described as a new species in 1992. It is mainly carried by cats and causes cat-scratch disease, endocarditis, and several other serious diseases in humans. Bartonella bacteria are known to be carried by fleas, body lice and ticks.

Bartonella Bacteria: A small, Gram-negative aerobic bacilli having the ability to infect the red blood cells, endothelial cells that line the blood vessels of the entire circulatory system. It can also reside in the tissues and bone marrow and the immune system cells (macrophages). The immune system is unable to detect the bacteria that are within the cells.

Transmissions: Most commonly passed to humans by fleas, body lice, and ticks, also moles,etc. See different Bartonellas following or research.

Incubations: Average 3 days to 4 weeks after exposure symptoms begin to occur.

Found: World wide

Rash: Stretch mark rash, streaks.

Symptoms onset: Flu like

Test: There are blood tests, though often inaccurate. Testing can be done at Labcorp, Clongen and IgeneX. Muscle testing can be done if a person suspects the infection so they can start eradicating the bacteria with alternatives immediately.

Treatment: Trimethoprim-sulfamethoxazole, gentamicin, ciprofloxacin, and rifampin. RIFE and other alternatives.**Bartonella is commonly treated with antibiotics including rifampin and azithromyacin, herbs, energy medicines, RIFE. Treatment may take up to one year or more with antibiotics, RIFE and other to completely eliminate the disease.

Diagnoses: Blood test and clinical. Few MD's are familiar with tick borne Bartonella. Tick borne bartonella henslae is not the same as “cat scratch disease,” which typically is far less serious and has different symptoms.

Treatment: Antibiotics, herbs, RIFE, other - for other treatments click here.When the disease remains untreated it becomes chronic and a mirad of symptoms are manifested from the B. henselae. Here are some symptoms: untreated-Chronic Bartonella

Rash: A maculopapular rash may or may not appear on the trunk that is fleeting.

Symptoms onset: Sudden with high fever, chills,severe headache, back pain. The symptoms may reappear at five day intervals and thus the disease is also called five day fever. The disease may last weeks to months.Bartonella quintana causes a prolonged febrile illness.

B.Quintana also has been found responsible for a disease called bacillary angiomatosis in people infected with HIV or the immunocompromised. In this illness, organisms induce new blood vessel formation (i.e., angiogenesis). These proliferating blood vessels form benign tumor masses. Infection of the heart and great vessels (endocarditis) with blood stream infection and heart valve infection(bacteremia).

Causes: angiogenesis in previously immunocompetent human hosts. Carrión’s disease or Oroya fever (acute phase of infection) and Verruga peruana or Peruvian wart (chronic phase of infection).The acute phase of the disease is a life threatening disease characterized by massive invasion of bartonella to human red blood cells and consequently an acute hemolysis and fever.

B. clarridgeiae: (Info Unavailable at the time of this post)

B. elizabethae: from genus Rochalimeae associated with Grahamella in United States.

B. grahamii: from genus Grahamella. Transmitted by rodent flea Ctenophthalmus nobilis. Found in Europe. Was isolated from the eye of a patient with neuroretinitis , uveitis

B. koehlerae: (Info Unavailable at the time of this post)

B.melophagi: Causes muscle fatigue and weakness, pericarditis, an inflammation of the membrane surrounding the heart

B. schoenbuchensis: Transmitted by deer keds. The bite is barely noticeable and initially leaves little trace. Within 3 days, the site develops into a hard, reddened welt. The accompanying itch is intense and typically lasts 14 to 20 days; occasionally, a pruritic papule may persist even for 1 year

B. rocha-limaea: (Info Unavailable at the time of this post)

B. tamia: Found in Thailand. Maculopapular rash or petechial rash on arms and legs. Symptoms:

profound fatigue, becoming progressively severe. The pain and stiffness of the joints, muscles, and neck are most severe in the morning improving throughout the day.Progressive difficulty maintaining balance while standing or ambulating.

May cause endocarditis.

B. washoensis: (Oropsylla Montana fleas fever) Symptoms:

meningitis

early sepsis

chills

nausea

sometimes vomiting

epigastric and lower left side abdominal pain

Headache with severe bilateral pain in the frontal and occipital areas.

Bilateral joint pain in both upper and lower extremities.

Neck stiffness with mild nuchal rigidity.

Shortness of breath

diarrhea

rash

Episodes of hypotension; heart rate of 104 beats per minute.Associated with cardiac disease United States.

Chronic Bartonella infectionBartonella affects the entire body mainly through the vascular system. When suffering with chronic Bartonella it is well to research the complications of all Bartonella infections to discover if it has not caused another disease.

An ongoing infection of Bartonella, may cause:

Low grade fever.

Cold extremities.

hot flashes

Feeling hot to occasional fever

short-term memory loss

brain fog

dementia

Loss of jaw bone

poor teeth

Sudden pain within each tooth or entire jaw bones

Gastritis

lower abdominal pain

gastrointestinal lesions

progressive anemia

lower abdominal pain

GI track disorders

weight gain

gastrointestinal lesions

pain from sound

Vision loss

intense pressure in the eyes

blurred vision

light sensitivity

eye infections

Red eyes

intense pressure in/behind eyes

Blurred vision

Other eye disorders

Head, neck, face:

Sharp frontal or top of head headaches.

Lymph nodes that remain enlarged and sore

swollen throat

Thickened blood

vein swelling

intravascular disease

broken veins

protruding veins

unexplained bruises

spider veins

progressive anemia

endocarditis

edema

"bubbles under skin from a vein

star spider veins that may appear to be bruising.

intravascular disease

broken veins

edocarditis

eratic pulse

polyps in/around organ

Swelling anywhere on the body.

Inflammation in bones of pelvis and spine and head.

Inflammation.

Swollen glands especially around the head, neck and arms

Cold extremities

Inflammation in head

Inflammation in the bones of the pelvis and spine

slow healing

non-pitting edema

fainting

Generalized aches and pains similar to the other tick borne diseases.

Bone pain.

Joint pain.

leg,foot arch, hip, knee, shin,jaw bone, bottom of rib cage pain

sore soles

burning pains in soles, shins, legs...

Unrelenting tingling of feet and legs

burning type of shooting pain in the body

tender subcutaneous nodules along the extremities and shin bone.

Intense spasms at night

Peripheral Neuropathy

lack of muscle coordination during voluntary movements and muscle weakness.

Some symptoms tend to come and go as the bacteria cycles, the inflammation in the brain increases, during full moons, sleep deprived, etc.

*** The bacteria blocks the normal immune response by suppressing the NF-kB apoptosis pathway. Disease progression will be accelerated if the host is subsequently infected by an immunesuppressing virus such as Epstein Barr or XMRV and likewise, as the host's infectious load increases the immune system will be more prone to infection due to the weakening response.

The Bartonella bacteria must be eradicated. Treating only the symptoms does not prevent the Bartonella's from multiplying. The "disease" only becomes more complicated.

Okay, I KNOW that I won't be making friends when I post this, but hey, who cares? Wrong is wrong, especially when you are preying on the sick. I recently ran across this 'protocol' and I wanted to share with you what I have found out.

The 'Popular' Facebook Protocol/Group/Page/Cult......?

I have heard tons of people in the Lyme world singing the praises of the Cinnamon Oil Protocol touted in the Lyme world (all over Facebook). Don't get me wrong, I am sure it probably DOES actually work to eradicate some of the pathogens, if you care to venture into the world of the chemical compounds that actually make up the oil, which I did. I investigate EVERYTHING 5 billion times BEFORE it ever touches my lips. Just because someone said it works means nothing to me. We're all individuals. What works for you might kill me and vice versa. Essential oils can be DEADLY if ingested or used without experience or at the very least a GOOD understanding of what you're taking.

What ruffles my feathers is the fact that the alleged 'creator' of this protocol didn't create it at all, yet she's cashing in on it. It was created by a teenager in Europe. (see link to his site below)

Apparently, according to her many free (Blogger) websites, Google + account, and of course her Facebook Fan Page, you HAVE to buy the oil from her ETSY site at super inflated prices (3 times the price of what I've found online from Grade A, HIGHLY reputable companies all over the world), to then be ALLOWED to join their Facebook Group (Secret) and then given a protocol card.

Seriously. This is another buy before you try type situation here. Seems to be A LOT of this going around lately. Don't fall for it. If there's no transparency there's something WRONG.

One lady posted on the Facebook page in question about NOT being able to POST in the PRIVATE group. I assume she bought the oil through ETSY, received her golden pass to the cult group only to find that it is on lock down and you can't post anything unless it's approved by an admin (I have an insider in the 'group'). Another lady commented and her comments have since been removed. Seems a bit harsh? It seems if you question the protocol or any of the strange behaviors you get ousted/blocked/banned/slandered. Typical of some of the MANY dictatorial groups online.

Here's the reply from the oil woman:

If you ordered the Cinnamon from the Etsy site then you should have been sent an invite to our "closed" group where question and answers go on 24/7. We keep it just to those who purchase off the Etsy site as 80-90% of people will buy other Cinnamons that are Not strong enough and we don't have time for the inconsistency with results.

Wild huh? She has ZERO scientific background but slings around phrases like 'inconsistency with results' like her Facebook group is some sort of Harvard brain trust gathering. What's EVEN more bizarre is that sick people are so desperate that they will believe anything and pay any amount to be healed.

Avoid these groups/pages/forums, for your health and sanity, don't get sucked in. I have, out of desperation, looking for answers. It's a crazy, dark world of super inflated internet egos. A large amount of the people that run these groups have minimal education. From my personal experiences, these types seem to have low self esteem and have 'failed' in 'real' life and Facebook is sort of like their second chance, in a weird sort of way. They are dangerous! Everyone online is an EXPERT. Beware.

I question whether or not this 'person' really does have Lyme or not. Some of her childs before and after blood photos on one of her Blogger accounts are being used to sing the praises of how miraculous HER oil is. Well, me being the sleuth that I am, did a reverse image search of her alleged Babesia photos and as suspected they were taken from the CDC website!

﻿You DO NOT have to buy Cinnamon Oil from this person.You can buy it ALL DAY LONG IN BULK for a fraction of the price!﻿I PROMISE you. Do your research, if you can't then find someone that CAN. Don't be a victim. Google Cinnamomum verum leaf from Sri Lanka.

There are people literally BEGGING this woman to tell them how to use the protocol and she's holding out for the almighty buck!! Absolute cold hearted, evil. This has to stop. Where is the compassion?

I KNOW what suffering is and there is NO way that I would EVER deny another Lyme patient knowledge. There will be a special place in hell for people like this.

At this point in time refuse to name and shame the person in question. I have emailed her and as of today, have received no reply. I don't expect to either.

The Protocol

So, here it is. Please do NOT email me asking how to use this. I have NO idea. I have never used it myself. I know nothing about it. I am only providing you (the reader) with another potential healing tool to add to your toolbox. (I did not type/write this protocol - It's cut & pasted from the original source - which you will find below)

Cinnamomum verum leaf from Sri Lanka (Not with drugs) Eradicates Lyme, bacteria, virus, protozoa, rickettsia, Candida, other fungus and parasites.Will also kill cysts. When cyst break open with Cinnamomum verum it causes added zoonotic damages. Diluted Pure Cinnamomum verum Leaf from Sri Lanka 56.8 ml Olive Oil add 16 drops Example: Taking 2 drops daily and consecutively for 72 days. 2 drops of the Daily Drops with food or 6 inhales 1. Take the drops for 4 days in a row. Stop for 3 days to detox. Repeat this 6 times. 2. Take the drops for 5 days in a row. Stop for 3 days to detox. Repeat this 8 times. 3. Take the drops for 9 days. Stop for 3 days to detox. Repeat this 5 times. 4. Take the drops for 11 days. Stop for 3 days to detox. Repeat this 6 times. 5. Take the drops for 9 days. Stop for 3 days to detox. Repeat this 7 times. 6. Take the drops for 15 days. Stop for 3 days to detox. Repeat this 20 times. 7. Take the drops for 37 days. Stop for 7 days to detox. Repeat this 8 times. 8. Take the drops for 76 days. After this time everything will have been eradicated. Or takiking until heavy herx is reached and then stopping to allow body to detox and renew cells . Repeating same until 72 or more consecutive days can be done.

The last (essential oils) should be used, to cure Lyme in 100% BUT as A LAST RESORT (when all the other herbs ceased to work and metals have been removed [!!!]).

It typically takes few years, i.e. 4-7 to get there (in case of 10-year+ Lyme so be warned).It is, to be used last (as bacteria might get some resistance and killing Lyme in 100% might prove hard [!].

What is lipoic acid?

Alpha lipoic acid is a fatty acid found naturally inside every cell in the body. It's needed by the body to produce the energy for our body's normal functions. Alpha lipoic acid converts glucose (blood sugar) into energy. Other names for it include lipoic acid, thioctic acid, and ALA.

Alpha lipoic acid is also an antioxidant, a substance that neutralizes potentially harmful chemicals called free radicals. What makes alpha lipoic acid unique is that it functions in water and fat, unlike the more common antioxidants vitamins C and vitamin E, and it appears to be able to recycle antioxidants such as vitamin C and glutathione after they have been used up. Glutathione is an important antioxidant that helps the body eliminate potentially harmful substances. Alpha lipoic acid increases the formation of glutathione.

Is all ALA the same?

Actually, no. There are two forms of alpha lipoic acid.

R-ALA is the form found naturally occurring within the body and is the biologically active form of alpha lipoic acid.

S-ALA is the unnatural, synthetic byproduct created during the production of alpha lipoic acid.

Nobody sells S-ALA by itself as it isn't very effective, but you will get S-ALA anytime you purchase ALA. The ALA you buy from nutrition stores is in reality a 50/50 mixture of S-ALA & R-ALA. (though they won't tell you that) Most companies don't go through the complicated and expensive process required to purify and remove the synthetic S-ALA from their products. Be aware that unless the bottle specifically states 100% R-ALA, you are only getting a 50/50 blend.

It is important for you to know that R-ALA has been shown time an time again to be up to 12 times as effective as S-ALA. There have been many studies, doctors and researchers who have stated how much more effective R-ALA is.

Is ALA Beneficial for Tick Borne Diseases?

Yes! The study (below) is extremely important because it has determined that in the case of rickettsiae endothelial cell infection that ALA doesn't allow the bacteria to shut down cellular metabolism and this is one of the bacteria's defense mechanisms, to shut down what is processed into and out of the cell.Rickettsiae rickettsii (Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever) are gram negative rod shaped alphaproeobacteria, just like Bartonella are. Rickettsiae have a propensity to infect endothelial cells, just like bartonella do.The use of ALA in conjunction with effective antimicrobials greatly increases cellular uptake resulting in killing the cellular infection.The full study can be seen here.

The benefits of R-Lipoic Acid

· R-Lipoic acid is the only form of lipoic acid that your body synthesizes and can safely metabolize. · R-Lipoic acid is the only form of lipoic acid that is proven to significantly reduce inflammation, an underlying cause of aging.· R-Lipoic acid is the only form of lipoic acid that is proven to significantly increase your cellular and mitochondrial antioxidant activity for preventing mitochondrial decay. This effectively attenuates the reported increase in oxidative stress with aging. · R-Lipoic acid is the only form of lipoic acid that is proven to improve memory, reduce brain damage, reverse cognitive dysfunction, and protect the brain from neurodegeneration associated with aging. · R-Lipoic acid is the only form of lipoic acid that is been proven to significantly increase insulin sensitivity, enhance glucose transport, increase metabolic rate and reduce the gain in body fat from aging. · R-Lipoic acid is the only form of lipoic acid that is proven to protect body fats against oxidative damage, chelate harmful metals and reverse stress damage in your heart.· R-Lipoic acid is the only form of Lipoic that is proven to significantly increase or maintain levels of other antioxidants including Coenzyme Q10, vitamin C, vitamin E and glutathione.· R-Lipoic acid is the only form of Lipoic acid that is proven to expand total life span.

The problems of S-Lipoic acid

· S-Lipoic acid produces different biological actions than R-Lipoic acid that may be undesirable. · S-Lipoic acid produces limited beneficial effects since it cannot bind with key enzymes. · S-Lipoic acid is less effective than R-lipoic acid as an antioxidant. · At high concentrations, S-Lipoic acid inhibits mitochondria metabolism and the antioxidant activity of R-lipoic acid.· S-Lipoic acid is metabolized in the outer cell membrane. This may interfere with R-Lipoic acid's ability to penetrate the inner mitochondrial membrane and energy production. · R-Lipoic acid costs slightly more per unit than alpha-Lipoic acid. But it may be 10 times stronger than regular alpha-Lipoic acid at reducing inflammation, a primary cause of aging. And it is free of the problems from the S-form.

This is a simple explaination of why R-ALA is much more effective than ALA.

What Conditions Could Benefit from ALA?

Peripheral Neuropathy (caused by Lyme, Shingles, Thyroid disorders & diabetes)Alpha lipoic acid is thought to work as an antioxidant in both water and fatty tissue, enabling it to enter all parts of the nerve cell and protect it from damage.

Brain FunctionAlpha lipoic acid can cross the blood-brain barrier, a wall of tiny vessels and structural cells, and pass easily into the brain. It is thought to protect brain and nerve tissue by preventing free radical damage.

CataractsLipoic acid was found to offer notable protection against cataract formation in an experimental animal model. Scientists believe that lipoic acid may confer this benefit by increasing levels of essential endogenous antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase.

GlaucomaA study in patients with open-angle glaucoma found that visual function and other measures of glaucoma were improved in a group that received either 75 mg of lipoic acid daily for two months or 150 mg of lipoic acid daily for one month, compared with a control group that received no lipoic acid.

Multiple sclerosisInvestigators found that lipoic acid supplementation improved a variety of inflammatory measures that are associated with the disease. Further evidence also showed that lipoic acid supplementation produced improvements in animals suffering from an experimentally induced form of multiple sclerosis.Alzheimer's diseaseResearchers have identified a series of mechanisms through which lipoic acid may work in helping prevent or manage Alzheimer’s disease. Scientists believe that lipoic acid may increase the production of acetylcholine, an essential nervous system messenger that is deficient in the brains of Alzheimer’s disease victims.

Diabetes & Diabetic neuropathyAccording to a just-released review of experimental studies, lipoic acid can help relieve several components of metabolic syndrome—a constellation of risk factors that often precedes full-blown types 2 diabetes. This review revealed that lipoic acid reduces blood pressure and insulin resistance, improves the lipid profile, and reduces weight. Scientists are encouraged by lipoic acid’s potential as a therapeutic agent for individuals with metabolic syndrome.It has been found effective in the treatment of diabetic neuropathy, a type of nerve damage that occurs as a result of the toxic effects of high glucose levels on the nervous system in diabetes. Diabetic neuropathy is characterized by numbness, tingling, and pain best described as “burning” in the extremities.

Metal ChelationLipoic acid may also protect the body against toxic metal contaminants found in the environment and food supply. This multifunctional agent works by chelating these dangerous agents, such as arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury and rendering them inactive so that they can be removed by the body. In animal studies, lipoic acid has been shown to provide protection against arsenic poisoning and to safeguard the liver against the effects of cadmium exposure. Another study also showed that lipoic acid helped protect the delicate nervous system against the harmful effects of mercury poisoning.

Migraine PreventionPreliminary evidence suggests that lipoic acid could offer welcome relief for migraine sufferers. When a group of these individuals received a supplement of 600 mg of lipoic acid each day for three months, the frequency and intensity of their migraines declined modestly, and they also reported suffering fewer headache days.

Anti-Cancer MechanismsCancer scientists are growing increasingly interested in lipoic acid because cancer cells offer many targets for its anti-inflammatory attributes. These attributes allow lipoic acid to intervene at multiple points in the chain of carcinogenesis. In experimental studies, lipoic acid shows promise against cancers of the blood (leukemia), lung, breast, and liver. Preliminary research indicates that lipoic acid acts to halt the cell reproductive cycle of cancer cells, slowing or stopping tumor growth. Lipoic acid may also help induce apoptosis, the programmed cell death that is the body’s natural control mechanism for weeding out nascent cancers. Lipoic acid also protects against chemical-induced DNA damage that can lead to cancerous transformation. Lipoic acid may help prevent metastatic cancer spread by reducing activity of enzymes that tumors use to invade tissues.

The benefits of ALA are too numerous to cover in this post. As you can see there could be volumes written on this subject. If you are suffering with any tick borne infection it is definitely worth looking in to.

*** Remember to always check with your Dr before taking anything new, and check for any interactions with your current medications***

There aren't many resources available for Lyme patients worldwide, but there are a few in the USA. Thanks to Lisa Hilton over at What Is Lyme for this comprehensive list. She's a star & an asset to Lyme sufferers worldwide.

Lyme Tap – The Lyme Test Access Program (Lyme-TAP) is a nationwide patient assistance program to provide assistance for initial Lyme-related lab tests to patients who demonstrate true financial need.http://www.lymetap.com/Lyme LightAnyone diagnosed with Lyme disease between ages of 3-25 and can demonstrate a qualified financial need. http://lymelightfoundation.org/Meal Train http://www.mealtrain.com/learn/what_is_a_meal_train/Lyme Roommateshttps://www.facebook.com/groups/445692835451476/445968085423951/?notif_t=group_activityLymies Seeking Roomateshttps://www.facebook.com/groups/471747336171718/Needy Medshttp://www.needymeds.org/index.htmMake A WishClick on this link to go to “Make a Netwish”, a site to get monies, if you are in need.http://www.netwish.org/Request_a_Net_Wish.htmlClinic of AngelsClick on this link to go to “Clinic of Angels”, a site to get monies, if you are in need.http://www.clinicofangels.org/ and click on the Financial application form on the left of the screen.Help With Medicine Costshttp://www.needymeds.org/Fundraiser HelpProviding Patients Access to the Medicines They Needhttp://www.bridgestoaccess.com/Bridges To Accesshttp://www.bridgestoaccess.com/The GSK program providing low cost or no cost medications for non-medicare patients or for people who do not have prescription coverage. It is a great program for Malarone and Mepron.ClinicalTrials.gov ClinicalTrials.gov is a registry and results database of federally and privately supported clinical trials conducted in the United States and around the world. ClinicalTrials.gov gives you information about a trial’s purpose, who may participate, locations, and phone numbers for more details. This information should be used in conjunction with advice from health care professionals. Use the search tool, there seem to be a few trials recruiting for Lyme Disease patients.http://clinicaltrials.govClinic Of Angels The Clinic of Angels is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization founded in 2005 by Michael Cichon MD. Dr. Cichon, a board certified Internal Medicine and Infectious Disease physician has practiced in the Tampa Bay area for over 30 years. His purpose in starting this organization was to help chronically ill patients by providing financial resources to help in their medical care.http://www.clinicofangels.org/http://www.clinicofangels.org/Clinic%20of%20Angels%20Application%20for%20Services%20with%20income%20chart%20New%20(2).pdf (application form)Co-Payment Programs Co-pay programs provide financial assistance for certain health care costs to patients who qualify financially and medically. Discount for Condensed Cowden Support Program via Nutramedix -http://www.pparx.org/en/prescription_assistance_programs/co-payment_programshttp://www.nutramedix.com/company.asphttp://www.nutramedix.com/contact-us.asp (phone numbers) The Nutramedix company more than a year ago offered for a while, free Condensed Cowden Support Programs (CCSP) to select Lyme patients. Nutramedix no longer offers that but if someone with severe Lyme disease &/or co-infections wants to go on the CCSP but can’t afford it, they can contact Nutramedix to discuss their financial situation & request a discount based on financial need.Discount Drug Card Programshttp://www.pparx.org/en/prescription_assistance_programs/discount_cardsA list of many state and other “savings card” programs to help with cost of medications.GSK-Accesshttp://www.gsk-access.com/index.html (home page)http://www.gsk-access.com/medicines/medicine-list.html (list of medicines) GSK Access is a GlaxoSmithKline patient assistance program. It provides GSK prescription medicines—at no charge—to qualified patients who are enrolled in a Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan.L.E.A.P. – Financial Assistance Programhttp://www.leaparizona.com/financialassistance.htmThere is very little financial assistance available for children and adults suffering with Lyme disease. We at L.E.A.P. are attempting to raise funds for this very purpose for patients in Arizona and across the United States. Our program consists of a financial assistance application which is confidentially reviewed and verified during the approval process. When patients are approved for assistance, all funds disbursed on their behalf are sent directly to their providers/creditors after insurance payments and balance verification. We make sure that grants and donors’ contributions are used appropriately. In addition, L.E.A.P. has a partnership with Amazon.com. Amazon makes a donation to L.E.A.P each and every time a purchase is made using this link: http://www.amazon.com/?&tag=lymeeducation-20&camp=15345&creative=331689&linkCode=ur1&adid=06609TZGXCZ7F7YH5GDM& Pass this on!Lyme Aid 4Kidshttp://www.needymeds.org/co_pay_program.taf?_function=detail&program_id=268 (overview/contact info)http://www.LymeDiseaseAssociation.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=592&Itemid=38 (application) The LymeAid 4 Kids (LA4K) fund began in 2004 and has helped children all over the U.S. and in Canada. Developed with the help of author Amy Tan, the fund is for children who do not have/receive insurance coverage for Lyme disease treatment for children and have economic difficulties. Donations can be made on-line to LDA help this LA4K fund as there are so many applicants, the fund does run out of money frequently.Help With Pet Billshttp://www.rescuinganimalsinneed.org/financial_help.htmModest Needshttp://www.modestneeds.org/explore/http://www.modestneeds.org/intro/Modest Needs offers three main types of grants: Self-Sufficiency Grants, Back-to-Work Grants, and Independent Living Grants. The grants we offer at Modest Needs come with no strings attached and do not ever have to be repaid. Modest Needs’ grant programs are designed PRIMARILY to assist individuals and families who generally are able to pay their monthly bills with no help from anyone, who don’t qualify for conventional types of social or charitable assistance, and who are facing a financial crisis because they’ve encountered a single, unexpected expense they just can’t afford on their own. Of course, we also offer grants that are designed to assist people who are in the process of returning to work, persons who need help to afford accessibility equipment, and small non-profit organizations. But, in general, Modest Needs just does not have the resources to assist individuals or families who are homeless, have no regular income of their own, or need / receive ongoing help to afford the basics.Partnership for Prescription Assistancehttp://www.pparx.org/The Partnership for Prescription Assistance helps qualifying patients without prescription drug coverage get the medicines they need through the program that is right for them. Many will get their medications free or nearly free. The Partnership for Prescription Assistance will help you find the program that’s right for you, free of charge. Remember,you will never be asked for money by a PPA Call Center representative, or on this Web site.Needy Medshttp://www.needymeds.org/resourcepages/lyme%20disease.htmThis is a Patient Assistance Programs (PAPs). Programs offered by pharmaceutical companies to help those most in need gain access to their medications at no or low cost. Each program has varying financial and insurance guidelines – when in doubt, call the program. To find the specific PAP information for a specific drug click on the list (on web page). You will then be taken to a listing of all the programs available for that medication.http://www.needymeds.org/free_clinics.taf This webpage, also part of Needy Meds, is specifically for those without insurance or unable to pay for a visit with a physician, NeedyMeds has compiled a nationwide list of free, low cost, and sliding scale clinics. *Granted these are not LLMD’s specifically, probably mostly Family Practitioners, Infectious Disease, etc, basically doctors that have general knowledge about Lyme.Patient Advocate Foundation (Co-Pay Relief)http://www.copays.org/The Patient Advocate Foundation (PAF) Co-Pay Relief Program (CPR) currently provides direct financial support to insured patients, including Medicare Part D beneficiaries, who must financially and medically qualify to access pharmaceutical co-payment assistance. The program offers personal service to all patients through the use of call counselors; personally guiding patients through the enrollment process.Prescription Hopehttp://www.prescriptionhope.com/A program helping people get prescriptions at a much lower price. So if you are taking antibiotics, iv’s, etc, they could be a great resource to look into. From their website “We assist individuals who need to take prescription medications, yet lack the income to afford the monthly expense. Since our founding in 2001 we have assisted thousands of uninsured and underinsured individuals throughout the United States in obtaining prescriptions directly from the manufacturer.”RxAssisthttp://www.rxassist.org/Information about free medications. Find information about free and low cost medicine programs and other ways to manage your medication costs. Patient assistance programs are run by pharmaceutical companies to provide free medications to people who cannot afford to buy their medicine. RxAssist offers a comprehensive database of these patient assistance programs.Rx Hopehttps://www.rxhope.com/RxHope is exactly what its name implies…a helping hand to people in need in obtaining critical medications that they would normally have trouble affording. We act as your advocate in making the patient assistance program journey easier and faster by supplying vital information and help.Wish Upon A Herohttp://www.wishuponahero.comWish Upon A Hero is a website that brings together people to help grant wishes big and small. No wish is too large, no hero is too small.Sponsor a child for their birthdayhttps://www.facebook.com/pages/Sponsor-a-child-for-their-birthday/345163365521900Financial Assistance for Lyme Disease Patientshttp://lyme.kaiserpapers.org/financial-assistance.html

Amino acids are at the basis of all life processes, as they are absolutely essential for every metabolic process. Among their most important tasks are the optimal transport and optimal storage of all nutrients (i.e. water, fat, carbohydrates, proteins, minerals and vitamins). The majority of diseases can essentially be traced back to metabolic disturbances.

Interesting Amino Facts

All protein, 100%, is made up of amino acids... and proteins regulate nearly every biochemical reaction in the body.

Neurotransmitters, such as Thyroxine, Dopamine, Epinephrine - Adrenalin, Serotonin, Melatonin, GABA, Glycine, Glutamate, Nitric Oxide, Histamine and Acetylcholine are made of amino acids. More on their functions will be covered at the bottom of this list.

100% of hormones are made up of amino acids. Sex hormones are made up of amino acids plus fat or lipids.

100% of neuropeptides, the substances the brain releases with every thought, are amino acids.

100% of peptides are made up of amino acids.

95% of muscle is made up of amino acids.

95% of the heart is made up of amino acids. (The heart is a muscle!)

There are approximately 1,000 different kinds of "information molecules" according to Candace Pert, Ph.D., the discoverer of the opiate receptor as well as the most promising treatment on the horizon for AIDS, namely Peptide-T. Peptide, a string of 6 amino acids.

RNA and DNA require amino acids. In other words, amino acids are necessary for our genes to function properly.

While vitamins and minerals are important, they only make up 1.5% of dry body weight. You need the right vitamins and minerals, but if your amino acids are out of balance, you will not be healthy.

Functions of Neurotransmitters:

Acetylcholine - First known neurotransmitter (1920) Nerve-muscle connections for all the voluntary muscles of the body and many involuntary muscles. In the presence of water acetylcholine is broken down to acetic acid (5% acetic acid is vinegar) and choline. An enzyme (acetylcholinesterase) does the breakdown. The acetylcholine is absorbed on the post synaptic membranes and the impulse travels down the neuron, releasing acetylcholine which is absorbed by another post synaptic membrane. This continues until the muscle or endocrine gland is stimulated. Poisons which inhibit the acetylcholinesterase cause death by paralysis. Examples: curare, nerve gases (Sarin)

Thyroxine - Produced by the thyroid gland. It comes from the amino acid phenylalanine and requires iodine for its structure. It regulated basal metabolic rate (BMR). Too little - lethargy. Too much - hyperactivity. Was once used as a diet supplement to increase the BMR which results in weight loss.

Dopamine - Produced by the substantia nigra structure in the brain. It is synthesized from the amino acid phenylalanine. Dopamine is involved in 1) movement control; 2) emotional responses; 3) Experience of pleasure or pain. Oversupply results in schizophrenia. Undersupply results in Parkingson's disease. Dopamine plays a role in the brain's reward system. Methamphetamine releases huge quantities of dopamine from the vesicles giving a euphoric feelings. The vesicles get depleted and that high becomes more difficult to re-acheive. Cocaine blocks the re-uptake of dopamine - leaving it in place for the experience of pleasure. DOPA cannot pass through the blood brain barrier so L-DOPA is used.

Epinephrine (Adrenalin) - Norephrine - The fight or flight hormones produced by the adrenal glands which sit on top of the kidneys. It is syntesized from the amino acid phenylalanine. Gives unsual strength or energy. Epinephrine can cause heart arrhythmias and beta blocker drugs (Inderol) are used. They are specific for certain cells.

Serotonin - Is synthesized from the amino acid tryptophan. Serotonin affects the perception of pain, thermo-regulation and sleep. Low levels result in depression, bulermia, anorexia nervosa, season adjustment disorder (SAD). High levels produce a manic state. Bipolar disorder can be managed by controlling the the levels of serotonin. Psychoactive drugs have actions on serotonin metabolism. LSD, an analog of serotonin, produces hallucinations. Low levels of a metabolite of serotonin (5 HIAA) is found in spinal fluids of suicide victims. High levels of 5 HIAA are found in small bowel tumors. Mechanism: Nerve impulses release serotonin which goes to the receptor cells. Drugs can 1) increase the serotonin release; 2) prevent the re-uptake of the serotonin, leaving it there longer; or 3) inactive the enzymes which breakdown the serotonin.

Melatonin - Is synthesized from the amino acid tryptophan. Serotonin is converted to melatonin. Melatonin is involved in the wake/sleep cycle.

GABA (gamma amino butyric acid) - Is synthesized from the amino acid glutamic acid. GABA is the chief inhibitory neurotransmitter in the brain. The off switch of the brain. Vitamin B6 (pyridoxine) is needed to convert glutamic acid to GABA. In 1950's a screw up on baby formula omitted B6 and the infants had seizures.

Glycine - Is the simpliest amino acid. It is the major inhibitory neurotransmitter in the spinal cord.

Glutamate - Is the chief excitatory amino acid in the brain. MSG is monosodium glutamate, the flavor enhancer. Some people cannot tolerate MSG - it makes them hyperactive and anxious.

Nitric Oxide NO - Is formed from the amino acid arginine. Diffuses readily into the cell and is gone in 8 to 12 seconds. NO dilates blood vessels and lowers blood pressure. The heart drug nitroglycerin worked by releasing NO which resulted in lowering the blood pressure. Viagra works by dilating the blood vessels and relaxing the muscle cells.

Histamine - Is formed from the amino acid histine. Histamine goes to the receptor sites on the cells of the respiratory tract giving redness, swelling and itching. Antihistimines block the histamine receptors on the cells. Some antihistamines cross the blood brain barrier and acts on cells controlling sleep.

MTHFR & Aminos

The MTHFR gene provides instructions for making an enzyme called methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase. This enzyme plays a role in processing amino acids, the building blocks of proteins. Methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase is important for a chemical reaction involving forms of the B-vitamin folate (also called folic acid or vitamin B9). Specifically, this enzyme converts 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate to 5-methyltetrahydrofolate. This reaction is required for the multistep process that converts the amino acid homocysteine to another amino acid, methionine. The body uses methionine to make proteins and other important compounds.Methionine is one of the essential amino acids needed for good health but cannot be produced in the body, and so must be provided through our diet. Benefits:

Ability to be a supplier of sulfur and other compounds required by the body for normal metabolism and growth. Without an adequate intake of sulfur, our body will not be able to make and utilize a number of antioxidant nutrients.

Methionine is an especially important nutrient beneficial for those suffering from estrogen dominance, where the amount of estrogen in the body is excessively high when compared to its opposing hormone called progesterone. Since estrogen is cleared through the liver, an enhanced liver function will reduce the body’s estrogen load. Specifically, methionine converts the stronger and carcinogenic estradiol (E2) into estriol (E3) which is the “good” estrogen as compared to estradiol.

Loss of methionine has been linked to senile greying of hair. Its lack leads to a buildup of hydrogen peroxide in hair follicles, a reduction in tyrosinase effectiveness and a gradual loss of hair color.

Methionine is also responsible for the reduction of the level of histamine in the blood, which is why it can positively affect the symptoms of allergies. In addition, it is important for the regulation of the acid-base balance and provides sulphur atoms for various chemical processes.

Contributes to the detoxification of heavy metals (such as mercury from dental fillings) through the formation of complexes and of cartilage.

Prevents Urinary Tract Infections

Can reduce the severity of depression or Parkinson’s and otherwise improve the quality of life of those suffering from such conditions.

If you have MTHFR mutations this process can be interrupted (called homocystinuria). At least 40 mutations in the MTHFR gene have been identified in people with homocystinuria. Most of these mutations change single amino acids in methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase. These changes impair the function of the enzyme, and some cause the enzyme to be turned off (inactivated). Other mutations lead to the production of an abnormally small, nonfunctional version of the enzyme. Without functional methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase, homocysteine cannot be converted to methionine. As a result, homocysteine builds up in the bloodstream, and the amount of methionine is reduced. Some of the excess homocysteine is excreted in urine. Researchers have not determined how altered levels of homocysteine and methionine lead to the health problems associated with homocystinuria. MTHFR is VERY complicated and too much to cover in this post. I have posted on MTHFR previously here.

Lyme, Mitochondria, Cells and Aminos

What are Mitochondria? In a nutshell Mitochondria are the cell's power producers. They convert energy into forms that are usable by the cell. Located in the cytoplasm, they are the sites of cellular respiration which ultimately generates fuel for the cell's activities. Mitochondria are also involved in other cell processes such as cell division and growth, as well as cell death. When cells become damaged or undergo some type of infection, they die. One way to remove these cells without causing harm to other cells is through apoptosis. During apoptosis, a cell triggers a process that will allow it to "commit suicide." In this process, the cell undergoes a reduction in size as its cellular components break down and condense. The Journal of Neuroinflammation (published on 18 July 2013) states that the Lyme disease spirochete Borrelia burgdorferi induces inflammation and apoptosis in cells. In plain English, Lyme causes your cells to "commit suicide."Other preliminary studies state: Apoptosis plays an important role in the control of the immune system, and its impairment may be associated with autoimmune responses. Different bacterial and viral pathogens interfere with the regulation of apoptosis. This may take place in Lyme borreliosis, in which pathological autoimmune reactions are likely to occur.As I said before, generally amino acids serve five functions in the body:

They furnish the material from which proteins are synthesized by various cells.

They are used by the cells in manufacturing enzymes, hormones and other nitrogenous products.

They are used in constructing blood protein.

They may furnish a source of energy, with some of the amino acids being transformed into glucose and glycogen.

They aid the body in performing many functions as described in their individual descriptions.

We NEED Aminos for our Mitochondria to function properly!

Amino Acids—Essential and Non-Essential

Amino acids can be placed in the category of either essential or non-essential. The name is self explanatory. Essential amino acids are those that are "essential" in the diet. In other words, we cannot create them through our own metabolism. Therefore, we need to obtain them through foods containing them. Fortunately, protein-containing foods contain varying degrees of the essential amino acids. During times of starvation, our body relies on its own protein stores, such as pre-albumin, albumin, and ultimately protein from sources that it normally shouldn't have to utilize (e.g., muscle tissue, etc.)

Non-essential amino acids are those which can be produced from other amino acids and substances in the diet and metabolism. During times of need, the metabolism can shift into producing the amino acids that it requires for synthesizing proteins essential to our survival.

Below is a list of essential and non-essential amino acids.essential amino acids

arginine

histidine

isoleucine

leucine

lysine

methionine

phenylalanine

threonine

tryphtophan

valine

non-essential amino acids

alanine

asparagine

aspartate

cysteine

glutamate

glutamine

glycine

proline

serine

tyrosine

Dr. Vickery's Work With Aminos on Treating Bacterial, Yeast/Fungus, Parasites, and Toxic Metals

In an earlier post I talked about the work of Dr. Vickery and his healing of thousands of people (including Lyme patients) with Amino therapy. You can read more on him and his work here.He states that protein deficiency will allow yeast or fungal infections to begin to cause problems all over the body, showing up as rashes, constipation, poor concentration, and sinusitis. It is his observation that many auto immune conditions such as, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and fibromyalgia occur as a result of chronic infections, which the body is not equipped to control. Overwhelmed, the body becomes confused and begins to produce T-cells that are programmed to attack live healthy cells, In other words without the necessary protein to act as our body's general system manager, chaos ensues and we respond with an allergic reaction to ourselves! Correct the protein/enzyme issue, heal the body.

Aminos & Pathogens

A research scientist from the Fraunhofer Institute for Cell Therapy and Immunology IZI in Leipzig, Germany, has discovered that simple, natural amino acids work better than antibiotics at treating infections, and they do not cause harm to healthy cells in the body. For their study, Dr. Andreas Schubert and his colleagues from Fraunhofer tested the effects of amino acids in vitro and found that they broke through bacterial membranes and penetrated them quicker and with less of a required concentration than antibiotic drugs. And the best part of all was that the amino acids caused no cell damage, unlike antibiotics which kill off beneficial bacteria in the system as well as harmful bacteria.

"Antibiotic peptides (from amino acids) unlock their microbicidal effect within a few minutes. They also work at a concentration of less than 1 microliter, compared with conventional antibiotics which require a concentration of 10 microliters," said Schubert as part of his test results. "The spectrum of efficacy of the tested peptides includes not only bacteria and molds but also lipid-enveloped viruses. Another key factor is that the peptides identified in our tests do not harm healthy body cells."The findings are revolutionary, because they show that amino acids work on virtually every infection, including even MRSA and CRKP. And because amino acids occur naturally in various foods like nuts, grass-fed meats and dairy products, beans, seafood, eating more of these foods regularly can help boost levels of these vital nutrients without the need for drugs. Amino acids supplements are also a great way to boost amino acid levels to optimal levels in order to prevent or treat infections.

"We have already identified 20 of these short chains of amino acids which kill numerous microbes, including enterococci, yeasts and molds, as well as human pathogenic bacteria such as Streptococcus mutans, which is found in the human oral cavity and causes tooth decay," said Dr. Andreas Schubert, group manager of Fraunhofer. "Even the multi-resistant hospital bug Staphylococcus aureus is not immune, and in our tests its growth was considerably inhibited."

﻿**WARNING**﻿

﻿Because of arginine's powerful boost to the immune system, people suffering from a great variety of ailments may be tempted to experiment with it. Before doing so, make sure you do not have an acute or chronic virus, such as Epstein-Barr Virus (EBV), Cytomegalovirus (CMV) or Human Herpes Virus VI (HHV6), Herpes Simplex I or II. Arginine will speed up the rate of viral growth, which can prove to be dangerous. Theamino acid, Lysine, has the opposite effect on viruses, slowing down their growth. ﻿- Dr. Dennis GerstenHaving said that, Dr.Klinghardt states that Selenium acts as 'birth control' for viral infections.Article here.

Just when you thought it couldn't get any worse with Lyme. Enter the MTHFR gene mutation. Oh yes, it is just a barrel of fun having Lyme, as I am sure you, the reader are very aware. I am by no means a MTHFR guru, but being recently diagnosed with this little treasure, I have immersed myself into everything I could get my hands on. Here is a basic explanation of the MTHFR.

What is a MTHFR Mutation?

MTHFR stands for methyl-tetrahydrofolate reductase, an enzyme that is responsible for the process of methylation in every cell in your body. Methlylation occurs when your body takes one substance and turns it into another, so it is detoxified and can be excreted from the body. Ideally, when treating Lyme, your body should be functioning at an optimal level. Easier said than done, I know. If you are killing off spirochetes and toxins can't exit your body fast enough, then it can make an already bad situation worse. The last thing you want is dead bacteria recirculating in your body, making you even sicker! If you can't process vital nutrients (B vitamins, folate, glutathione etc) the it just adds fuel to the fire. There are over fifty known MTHFR variants, the two primary ones are called C677T and A1298.

When people with MTHFR mutations are exposed to toxins, they have a harder time getting rid of them which can cause some very serious illnesses. The methylation process is responsible for:

The 677T variant is most commonly associated with early heart disease and stroke and the 1298C variant with a variety chronic illnesses, but either anomaly can cause a wide variety of health problems. The MTHFR anomaly is reported out as heterozygous or homozygous. If you are heterozygous that means you have one affected gene and one normal gene. Your enzyme activity will run at about 60% efficiency compared to a normal.

If you are homozygous or have 2 abnormal copies, then enzyme efficiency drops down to 10% to 20% of normal, which can be very serious. The worst combination is 677T/1298C in which you are heterozygous to both anomalies. (Welcome to my world, I am compound heterozygous - one copy of each mutation) Many chronic illnesses are linked to this anomaly. Fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, migraines, chemical sensitivity, frequent miscarriage and frequent blood clots are all conditions associated with MTHFR anomaly.

Glutathione is the body's primary antioxidant and detoxifier. One of the ways that MTHFR gene mutation can make you susceptible to illness is by lowering your ability to make glutathione. People with MTHFR anomalies usually have low glutathione, which makes them more susceptible to stress and less tolerant to toxic exposures. Accumulation of toxins in the body and increased oxidative stress, which also leads to premature aging.

Homocysteine

When you have poor methylation your body's levels of homocysteine will elevate. Homocysteine is a amino acid that is toxic to the body. Dr. Kilmer McCulley (author of “The Homocysteine Revolution”), discovered that high levels of homocysteine caused heart disease and stroke in animal studies. He then found that B vitamins decreased the homocysteine levels, and therefore stopped the heart disease process. On rare occasion a bad combination of the 50 MTHFR genes will pair up and a person will end up with the inability to process metals and sulfates. The metals will deposit directly into their brain causing Autism, and sulfates will raise a naturally occurring homocystine levels to toxic state, which destroys nerve and muscle tissue.How do our bodies keep homocystine in check? Folic acid breaks down homocystine. However, people with MTHFR have issues with absorbing or maintaining folic acid (they aren't sure), so they have low levels of it and their homocystine can get out of control. They also have a tendency to have B vitamin deficiency. We also have to avoid all metals and sulfates, including vaccinations (flu has thermerisol and those that don't have aluminum). High levels of homocystine causes clotting problems, which causes infertility or miscarriage.

Treatment for MTHFR

Fortunately, you can easily be tested for the MTHFR mutation (you can order a complete genetic profile yourself through23andMe). If you find out that you have one or more of the gene mutations, you can supplement with methyl-folate and methyl B12, the active forms of these B vitamins. You can also supplement with liposomal or acetyl-glutathione, the end product of the pathway. Glutathione is poorly absorbed so either the liposomal form or a precursor, called n-acetylcysteine (NAC) may be used.

There are prescription medicines, that also contain methyl-folate: Deplin, MetanX, CerefolinNAC are a few. Methyl B12 can also be given as shots, nasal sprays, and sublingually. The intramuscular shots are by far the most effective method according to most Lyme patients. You can get these from your doctor or online, by clicking here. (USA only) Please note that there are HUGE differences in cyanocobalamin and methylcobalamin. Think METHYL METHYL METHYL! More can be read here.

The choice of nutrients will vary from patient to patient and should be done under a doctor's supervision. A fellow 'Lymie' just warned me of something called 'Methyl trapping'. I will investigate this further and update this post accordingly, in the meantime go LOW AND SLOW when adding supplements! Thanks Janice :)

Some conditions that may be associated with MTHFR gene mutations

Autism

Addictions: smoking, drugs, alcohol

Down’s syndrome

Frequent miscarriages

Male & female infertility

Pulmonary embolism and other blood clots

Depression & anxiety

Schizophrenia

Bipolar disorder

Fibromyalgia

Chronic Fatigue Syndrome

Chemical Sensitivity

Parkinson’s disease

Irritable Bowel Syndrome

Stroke

Spina bifida

Migraines

Hyperhomocysteinemia

Breast cancer

Atherosclerosis

Alzheimer’s

Multiple Sclerosis

Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack)

Methotrexate Toxicity

Nitrous Oxide Toxicity

Other Random Facts...

Rather than treat with medications that try to address medical conditions, treat MTHFR to get to root of the problem.

Glutathione is decreased in MTHFR patients- related to memory problems in Alzheimer’s. It clears body of toxic metals. Liposomal is best.

Having the gene defects means you don’t clear metals well. Trying to clear them you can overload system and symptoms worsen over time. Go slow!

Limit heavy metal exposure. Stop smoking, remove mercury fillings. Use natural cleaners, beauty products etc. Flu vaccine and other vaccines make autism worse in those with MTHFR. If you must get one, get one without mercury and aluminum.

What is the science behind Salt/C? How does this simple protocol help people with Lyme Disease and Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, when so many other protocols fail? I think the most accurate answer is that nobody really knows. But there are many possible explanations. Here are a few scientific explanations that seem plausible.

1 – The Salt/C dose temporarily elevates blood salinity, which causes osmotic shock to certain vulnerable bacteria (they are dehydrated after being forced to take in more salt than they can excrete)2 – Salt powers certain white blood cells, particularly the neutrophils, which use the salt to kill certain bacteria3 – Salt alkalinizes the blood slightly4 – We are salt deficient due to an infection that alters aldosterone/adrenal levels, perhaps because the bug prefers a lower sodium environment, and the salt/c improves that situation5 – Salt has a detoxifying effect at a cellular level, as this is a player in osmotic processes (this may be very helpful with intercellular infections like Borrelia or mycoplasma, as the salt gets into the cell and may work against those pathogens)6 – We are somewhat dehydrated due to infection/toxin load, and the salt allows us to absorb more water (this might be particularly helpful for the lymphatic system)7 – Salt addresses gut dysbiosis, killing many pathogens and promoting growth of good bacteria (the same effect as using salt in fermentation of some foods)8 – Some parasites, particularly nematodes (as shown on LymePhotos.com) are known to be sensitive to salinity levels and they will move to areas of the body with their favorite salinity, moving away from salt doses9 – One study demonstrated that nematodes can be paralyzed by high doses of salt, so perhaps this allows the immune system to find and destroy them10 – A salt shock causes a burst of adrenal activity, as the adrenals must signal the kidneys to desalinate the blood a bit, and dump the excess11 – Once the adrenal activity from the initial salt dose is finished, the salt allows the adrenals to rest, as ordinarily they must work harder when we are sodium deficient (because they must produce a hormone, aldosterone, to keep the sodium in circulation longer when deficient)12 – We all have an infection-induced form of something called ‘channelopathy’ which means that our electrolyte ions are dangerously low, and the salts help restore that (this is the basis of the Spanish product ‘Recup’ that has reversed FM/CFS for some people over the course of 1-2 years, although they do not include the infection part)13 - The ascorbic acid boosts white cell production, and the salt then powers the cells, so it is a win-win situation14 – We are making up for decades of salt deficiency, and the body simply has to work though the things it would ordinarily have taken care of over those decades. This may include EMOTIONAL issues that we have not been able to process properly due to lack of electrolytes and thus low or unbalanced neurological and brain activity (maybe this explains why past emotional events sometimes emerge during Salt/C herx, we are being prompted by the emotional brain to deal with it now that we have salt).15 – Many body fluids rely on salt, such as blood, sweat, and tears, (perhaps also lymphatic fluids?) and because we tend to be salt deficient, when we correct that deficiency all of these fluids work better.16 – The good salt is finally pushing out bad salts and other bad minerals and toxins, and it is those bad salts and toxins that have allowed us to be sick. Sort of like putting good gas into a car after years of bad gas, it has to burn out the bad stuff.17 – Many (or most?) people with Lyme are sodium and potassium deficient, and because cellular metabolism is powered by a sodium-potassium pump action, this leads to lower cellular function.18 – Salt helps relax muscles, and this has many positive effects, for example this could reduce detox load, and also lower load on the heart19 – Salt is a corrosive agent and actually may address problems with hypercoagulation, or other build-ups that are common with Lyme and related diseases.20 - Salt provides a key building block for stomach acid. This improves digestion which is often compromised with this illness. The relevant formula is that the Salt (NaCl) mixes with water and carbon dioxide, producing hydrocloric acid and sodium bicarbonate. This is expressed as: H2O + C02 + NaCl == NaHCO3 + HCl.21 - Salt provides sodium bicarbonate (see formula above), a known antimicrobial, used sometimes in dentistry to treat periodontal disease. This is a particularly interesting explanation since the combination of sodium bicarbonate and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) has been used with great success in treating difficult periodontal infections. Since neutrophils (immune cells) make their own H2O2, perhaps the availability of sodium bicarbonate provides an additional boost to their function.22 – Salt/C may be a natural form of the ‘Marshall Protocol’ in which two medications are used to address infected blood cells. The MP uses an anti-inflammatory drug (Benicar) and a mild abx like Minocycline. Vitamin C has anti-inflammatory properties and may act somewhat like the Benicar and salt is a known broad-spectrum anti-microbial (see 21 above) and may act like Minocycline.23 - Salt increases the enzyme elastase in our tissues which punches holes into the microbes and parasites and makes them vulnerable to our immune mechanisms (per Robert Bransford's article in Townsend).24 - Natural forms of salt may address some of the mineral loss associated with mercury toxicity.25 - Salt enhances blood volume, which can dramatically help some people with CFS and Lyme. Dr Paul Cheney, an expert in CFS, strongly advocates using sodium/potassium drinks at least twice a day to increase blood volume. This is related to his current hypothesis of cardiac involvement in CFS and low stroke volume (from a diastolic heart dysfunction) that he is finding in people with CFS. His recommendation (http://www.gookinaid.com/) is similar to Recup, with both sodium and potassium salts. This can also be made at home by using equal parts of regular salt with a potassium salt (a salt substitute works). Here is a link to the homebrew version from Dr. Cheney's June 2005 talk on cardiac issues in CFS (search for 'Gookinaid' in the document).26 - A salt dose that raises blood salinity will lower the level of aldosterone, allowing the salt to be evacuated. Is it possible that something ELSE is also allowed to be evacuated? Maybe the perpetual high aldosterone levels from sodium depletion (which most Lymies have) is having some secondary effect, retaining some toxin in the blood perhaps, and the salt dose relieves that. Therefore a small salt dose could trigger a detox effect. And when toxins leave, more are queued up to be evacuated later, and toxin movement generates a lot of various symptoms…. So maybe the salt dose is helping eliminate bad minerals – including metals.27 - The body is an electro-chemical device, producing extensive electrical fields and charges. Some people have theorized that subtle energy fields in the body are essential for cell-to-cell communication and immune functions. Also, many people are quite sensitive to electromagnetic fields. Salt is a strong electrolyte, and with a sodium dificiency some of the fields of the body may be weak. Therefore, Salt/C may be restoring electrical fields and thus enhancing any biologic and/or control processes in the body that rely on those fields.28 - Salt water is a high alkalinizing drink. Alkaline drinks have the know effect of impeding the excretion of Vitamin C, therefore prolonging its action. As Vitamin C is known to have a powerful immune-enhancing effect, taking the C with Salt water may produce a multiplier effect, in which the effective dose of C is much higher than the actual dose. Reference: Clinical Guide to the Use of Vitamin C.29 - Salt and water may provoke increased lymphatic fluid flow, through the mechanism of increased blood volume. This is becasue excess blood plasma leaks from capillaries and that forms the basis of the lymphatic, or interstitial fluid. There is more lymphatic fluid in the body than there is blood. And most of the Lyme toxins end up in the lymphatic system since that is where the body processes lipids, and Lyme toxins are lipid-based. If this thinking is correct, then increased lymphatic flow will have a detoxifying effect.﻿NOTE: this info does not include regular table salt , but unrefined, additive-free Sea Salt.﻿

Q& A Regarding The C/Salt Protocol (from lyme photos website)

Question: What kind of salt do you use and where can I find it?Answer: We had been using 1-gram Sodium Chloride USP tablets made by the Consolidated Midland Corporation (CMC), ordered through our local pharmacy. Currently (October 2008), they are not available. Since pure NaCl tablets have additional legitimate uses we think and hope they will once again become accessible. (CMC salt pills have an NDC # of 0223-1760-01, which should help your pharmacist locate the exact type. The cost is about $10 US for a bottle of 100 tablets.) We have been using pure sea salt which can be ordered from Saltworks in a variety of granular forms and in bulk quantities as Gourmet Sea Salt but for those who prefer tablets, buffered salt is available from Americarx.com . In bulk order it would cost only pennies per daily dose. Being loose it can be taken with a flavored beverage or mixed in food. The important point is to check the ingredients to ensure it is pure sodium chloride.

Question: Can I use sea salt?Answer: Any pure salt should work. One teaspoon of salt is equal to approximately 6 grams; therefore, consider starting with a quarter teaspoon of salt in a large glass of water. The salt can be added to foods such as soup. Sea salt, as well as ordinary table salt, also contains other compounds and we think it is the sodium chloride itself which does the trick. So try to get the purest salt with the fewest additives available.

Question: Is this much salt and vitamin C safe?Answer: Salt and vitamin C are both water soluble.This means that as long as you are getting enough water into your system your body will flush out the excess. But for the average sufferer, there will be no excess. Your body will use up whatever you give it or flush it out in your urine. Again, drink plenty of water. We have all heard about the proverbial 8 glasses of water per day. We recommend a full glass of water each time you take the pills. A side effect of the treatment in the dying off of the organisms is diarrhea. But be prepared for the weird sensation caused by the organisms' using any and all paths to escape the salt and vitamin C. You will feel but not see these creatures coming out all over your body.

Question: Can anyone use the salt and vitamin C treatment?Answer: We see no reason not to try the protocol, no matter how old or young. The dosage should be relative to body weight. Therefore, if one was going to put a small child on the treatment, they might want to reach a 4 to 6 gram total on both the salt and C. Remember, drink plenty of water.

Question: How much salt is too much?Answer: Our treatment recommends approximately 8 to 16 grams of salt and vitamin C per day depending on body weight. One pound of salt is equivalent to 453.59 grams; therefore, our recommendation is less than 3% of a pound per day. We do not believe this is a harmful amount. As mentioned on the site, for centuries people consumed approximately 20 grams per day due to the way foods were processed and personal taste. We at lymephotos have tried consuming more salt than we recommend and have had no ill effects, we just feel that the body can only process a certain amount to combat the pathogens and the rest was leaving through the urine. Again, judging from one's body weight we recommend 8 to 16 grams of each per day, divided into smaller dosages throughout the day. Always take the salt and vitamin C together with a full glass of water, maybe every two or three hours.Q & A taken from http://www.lymephotos.com/References:http://curezone.org/forums/am.asp?i=478977 http://www.lymephotos.com/http://kurtsprotocol.blogspot.co.uk/2005/07/executive-summary-of-saltc.htmlhttp://www.nothing-is-incurable.com/2011/04/72-hour-remedy-salt-and-vitamin-c-never.htmlhttps://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?id=42795678962&story_fbid=10151251325828963

Someone that I know named recently came up with a really GOOD idea. Apparently, you can 'self-report' your Lyme disease to the CDC. Her idea was to bombard them in May, in protest of their bogus diagnostic guidelines/criteria and blow their 'estimated' 300,000 new cases of Lyme a year theory out of the water!

Why Protest??

In the CDC's press release dated Monday, August 19, 2013 it states: Each year, more than 30,000 cases of Lyme disease are reported to CDC, making it the most commonly reported tick-borne illness in the United States. The new estimate suggests that the total number of people diagnosed with Lyme disease is roughly 10 times higher than the yearly reported number. This new estimate supports studies published in the 1990s indicating that the true number of cases is between 3- and 12-fold higher than the number of reported cases. Now, they are admitting that the number of new cases could be around 300,000 a year in the USA : Preliminary estimates released by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention indicate that the number of Americans diagnosed with Lyme disease each year is around 300,000. The preliminary estimates were presented Sunday night in Boston at the 2013 International Conference on Lyme Borreliosis and Other Tick-Borne Diseases.We ALL know that these figures are MUCH higher!I myself know of hundreds of Lyme patients that aren't deemed positive by the CDC.So, its time to help the CDC get their figures straight! Why a mail protest?Some of us are:

Physically unable to attend protests in May.

Lack the monetary resources to attend the bigger protests.

Now reside outside of the USA. (YES, you can STILL report your Lyme to the CDC if you are not resident in the USA, but were bitten in the USA!)

A mail protest can be just as effective!(and very annoying)As long as we keep making noise, they will have to eventually have to acknowledge us. Remember the AIDS protests in the 1980's? Clearly, this is BIGGER. This is a global pandemic!

Admission of 300,000 New Cases & a New Vaccine, All in the Same Month ... Coincidence?

Some speculate that the CDC's 'admission' of 300,000 new cases of Lyme a year suspiciously coincided with the news of a new Lyme vaccine. Yes, this time, Baxter International are having a 'go'. Learn more here, here and here. Is the CDC in bed with Big Pharma? You decide.

"Conflicts of interest are rampant in the vaccination infrastructure. The same people who are regulating and promoting vaccines are also evaluating vaccine safety." Dr. Joseph Mercola - New York Times best selling author

Researchers at Stony Brook University, Brookhaven National Laboratory, and at Baxter International Inc., a U.S.-based healthcare company, published the results of the first half of their clinical trials for a new Lyme Vaccine, in May 2013 in the journal The Lancet Infectious Diseases.In the clinical trial administered by Baxter International, the vaccine was shown to be effective against Borrelia, the causative agent of Lyme disease. (I still roll my eyes every time I read this). Really? Effective? As effective as Lymerix, the vaccine that made people deathly ill and then was quietly removed from the market? The same vaccine that had the CDC singing from the rooftops and quiet possible laughing all the way to the bank?In February 2002 the maker of LYMErix (SmithKline Beecham) announced they would stop producing the vaccine due to "insufficient consumer demand" They 'forgot' to mention that they were being sued! Story here.The CDC reported at the time that the protection provided by this vaccine did NOT diminish over time. Protection? No, I think the key word here should have been 'side effects' - the side effects did not diminish over time.

How to Self-Report Your Lyme/Protest

Start by downloading this form. You can either access it directly via the CDC website here or download it below. Some people have complained that the CDC site isn't working, why am I not surprised? <sigh>

Return To :

Use BLACK ink. The government loathe blue ink for some reason. So your form may not be processed!

Maybe include a cover letter? List all co-infections and maybe a brief summary of your symptoms.

Ask for written proof that your self-reporting form has been received and documented either by snail mail or email (include your email address on the letter and return home address!) Send it signed for?

After you complete your form mail it in postmarked no later than Saturday, May 31, 2014.

Some of us are mailing our forms in green envelopes.

As pointed out by another lady that I spoke to, we should NOT add green glitter etc inside of the envelopes as we are dealing with the US Government and the last thing we need is to be accused of sending 'suspicious' substances in the mail or 'assaulting' a CDC employee that may have an aversion to glitter etc.

Dr. Vickery was born in 1928 in Bronx, NY. He served in a submarine squadron US Navy, WW II. Finishing his interrupted schooling he graduated from Stamford High School, Stamford CT in 1948. Graduated from Lincoln Chiropractic College in 1951 and did post graduate work. (Now National College of Chiropractic). He was licensed to practice in 1952 in Connecticut, did his post graduate work at Spears Chiropractic Hospital in 1954.

He worked as a chiropractor all of his career. He included raw vegetable juices, supplements, and diet in practice. Dr. Vickery was certified in Applied Kinesiology along with his wife Marilyn in 1976. This gave him the tools to investigate the puzzles of the body and was the beginning of his many discoveries.The understanding that there was an "energy body" lead Dr. Vickery to extensive studies with Reinhold Voll, MD. The amazing revelations of what each acupuncture point represented lead to creation of the Vickery-Voll Test, which was the beginning of a healing revolution.

The discovery of "Protein Paradox", defined as "patient eating enough dietary protein that did not result in its proper use in the body" was pivotal. No blood tests will show this problem. This deficiency was found through the Voll points on the Pancreas Meridian, the indicators for protein, carbohydrate, and fat digestion. This Vickery-Voll Test was the basis for the later amino acid formula discoveries. The formula is unique among supplements because it was derived from quantum physics and not chemistry. In 1997-8 Dr. Platinum Essential Amino Acids Plus was born. US patent #6,203,820 was granted for the formula, based on clinical tests that demonstrated healing of degenerating disks, arthritis, fibromyalgia, osteoporosis, depression, chronic fatigue, hypoglycemia etc. Platinum Plus clears latent viral infections, pulls metals (lead, mercury etc.) from tissue better and deeper than $5,000 chelation therapy with no risk.

Dr. Vickery received a grant from Med Tech for correlating diskal lesion diagnosis with thermography. He is listed in the 2000 "Who's Who In Medicine and Healthcare". Dr. Vickery and his wife Marilyn formed SuperNutrient Corporation to bring information about Platinum Plus and Dr. Vickery's other discoveries to the World. He retired from active practice in 1995.

The Theory/Protocol

Dr Vickery has been using this protocol for years to treat various conditions (including Lyme!) with amazing results.

He states that protein deficiency will allow yeast or fungal infections to begin to cause problems all over the body, showing up as rashes, constipation, poor concentration, and sinusitis. It is his observation that many auto immune conditions such as, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and fibromyalgia occur as a result of chronic infections, which the body is not equipped to control. Overwhelmed, the body becomes confused and begins to produce T-cells that are programmed to attack live healthy cells, In other words without the necessary protein to act as our body's general system manager, chaos ensues and we respond with an allergic reaction to ourselves! Correct the protein/enzyme issue, heal the body.

Fibromyalgia and other infections; bacterial, yeast/fungus, parasites, and toxic metals: When the body has a protein/sulfur deficiency it cannot defend itself from infections because it doesn't have the raw materials (amino acids) to make the defense equipment (such as immune system proteins) it needs to keep the body safe from invaders. Bacterial infestations of staph and strep show up in many of his protein deficient patients, as well as intestinal parasites like lamblia and coxsackie.

His experience with FM patients is that the adrenals are always affected and that this is an area where viruses will attack. A virus that he often finds in this area is Epstein-Barr, which is also associated with CFM. Unfortunately he cannot test for all 600 known viruses but he does test for many, including Hepatitis A,B,and C, herpes (zoster and simplex), coxsackie, and cytomegalo, to name a few.

In FM we often find bacterial infections even in the lymph nodes, causing a painful condition known as lymphadenitis. In this condition bacteria, which are usually flushed out by the lymph system, become trapped and the white cells that congregate to kill the infection cause pus to accumulate in the nodes, which, if the bacteria are unresponsive to antibiotics, doctors will sometimes have to surgically drain. Time and time again, however, conditions that prove resistant to antibiotics clear up with the Vickery Fibromyalgia Protocol.Dr. Brice E. Vickery

Candida Albicans, Mycoplasma and FibromyalgiaSystemic overgrowth of naturally occurring microorganisms is often caused by the weakening of the host - your body. One of the most common underlying causes is the faulty amino acid and protein digestion. Supplementation with his Platinum Plus formula and other synergistic nutrients has been show to deliver fast recovery.

This is the only way FM can be cured. Think about it, FM is a complex, intensive, systemic condition that is really nothing more than a highly efficient gateway for disease, One can spend a tremendous amount of time and money chasing down these diseases one by one, but until the gateway is closed, more will keep coming. These diseases are just the symptoms of protein deficiency, that's how simple it is.Dr. Brice E. Vickery

Platinum Plus

Ingredients in Platinum Plus: L-Arginine L-Cystine L-Histidine L-Isoleucine L-Leucine L-Lysine L-Methionine L-Phenylalanine L-ThreonineL-Tyrosine L-ValineCreatine monohydrate - 50mgsMSM Methyl Sulfonyl Methane - 200mgsMolybdenum - 30mcgsInactive Ingredients Gelatin, Vegetable Stearate, SilicaCan the Amino Acids that are contained in Vickery Platinum Essential Amino Acids Plus, and Vickery Essential Amino Acids™ be obtained from the food that we eat? Do we have to take them forever? These are the questions that Dr. Vickery answered tens of thousands of times. The nutrition that we get from our food is no longer sufficient for our needs. It was all right in the Garden of Eden but, we were ejected. Then man really “improved” things with the cooking and preserving of meat, pasteurization of our dairy products, our orange and fruit juices, our canned food. We can keep it forever now but the trouble is that it has become “dead” food! Everything that we ate in the Garden of Eden was alive.

The enzymes that were present in the live food were destroyed. These enzymes according to Dr. Edward Howell and Dr. Howard Loomis augmented our “enzyme banks”, a limited capacity to make digestive enzymes, because the LIVE FOOD HELPED US TO DIGEST ITSELF! It is for this reason that Dr. Vickery recommends that everyone make an effort to ingest at least 50% of their food in the natural state. The average person might have trouble doing even this much.

Even with this effort it is necessary to take the Amino Acids because they are in what is called free form or individual Amino Acids. They are in the perfect proportions and in sufficient amounts for the pancreas and small intestine glands to manufacture THE DIGESTIVE ENZYMES THAT IS NEEDED TO DIGEST THE REST OF THE DAILY DIETARY PROTEIN. The body then gets the total amino acids from the meat, eggs fish, nuts, AND PROTEIN POWDERS that are part of our daily diets.

This is the most neglected area of healing. MOST of the most famous doctors in the world don’t KNOW ANYTHING ABOUT THIS PROTEIN PROBLEM. If they did they would have solved the Back Pain problem years and years ago. They wouldn’t be fooling around with things like glucosamine sulphate and chondroiton sulphate. They will however shortly become aware that Platinum Plus is 100% more effective because it starts the entire enzyme cascade from the digestive glands to the 3 billions cells of the entire body. And it is number one in Back Pain, Arthritis, and Fibromyalgia.

While we have used additional enzymes in certain desperate situations, when doctors ask me why Platinum Plus is better, I give this answer: Would you rather have enzymes from a pig, a cow, a fungus or would you rather make your own, specific human enzymes, they always answer, "That's a no brainer!" Dr. Brice E. Vickery

The Importance of Amino Acids

Amino acids are at the basis of all life processes, as they are absolutely essential for every metabolic process. Among their most important tasks are the optimal transport and optimal storage of all nutrients (i.e. water, fat, carbohydrates, proteins, minerals and vitamins). The majority of diseases such as obesity, high-cholesterol levels, diabetes, insomnia, erectile dysfunction or arthritis can essentially be traced back to metabolic disturbances.Amino acids (AA) were traditionally classified as nutritionally essential or nonessential for animals and humans based on nitrogen balance or growth. A key element of this classification is that all nonessential AA (NEAA) were assumed to be synthesized adequately in the body as substrates to meet the needs for protein synthesis. Unfortunately, regulatory roles for AA in nutrition and metabolism have long been ignored. Such conceptual limitations were not recognized until recent seminal findings that dietary glutamine is necessary for intestinal mucosal integrity and dietary arginine is required for maximum neonatal growth and embryonic survival. Some of the traditionally classified NEAA (e.g. glutamine, glutamate, and arginine) play important roles in regulating gene expression, cell signaling, antioxidative responses, and immunity. Additionally, glutamate, glutamine, and aspartate are major metabolic fuels for the small intestine and they, along with glycine, regulate neurological function. Among essential AA (EAA), much emphasis has been placed on leucine (which activates mammalian target of rapamycin to stimulate protein synthesis and inhibit proteolysis) and tryptophan (which modulates neurological and immunological functions through multiple metabolites, including serotonin and melatonin). A growing body of literature leads to a new concept of functional AA, which are defined as those AA that regulate key metabolic pathways to improve health, survival, growth, development, lactation, and reproduction of organisms. Both NEAA and EAA should be considered in the classic “ideal protein” concept or formulation of balanced diets to maximize protein accretion and optimize health in animals and humans.

Amino Acids and the Immune System

A deficiency of dietary protein or amino acids has long been known to impair immune function and increase the susceptibility of animals and humans to infectious disease. However, only in the past 15 years have the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms begun to unfold. Protein malnutrition reduces concentrations of most amino acids in plasma. Findings from recent studies indicate an important role for amino acids in immune responses by regulating: (1) the activation of T lymphocytes, B lymphocytes, natural killer cells and macrophages; (2) cellular redox state, gene expression and lymphocyte proliferation; and (3) the production of antibodies, cytokines and other cytotoxic substances. Increasing evidence shows that dietary supplementation of specific amino acids to animals and humans with malnutrition and infectious disease enhances the immune status, thereby reducing morbidity and mortality. Arginine, glutamine and cysteine precursors are the best prototypes. Because of a negative impact of imbalance and antagonism among amino acids on nutrient intake and utilisation, care should be exercised in developing effective strategies of enteral or parenteral provision for maximum health benefits. Such measures should be based on knowledge about the biochemistry and physiology of amino acids, their roles in immune responses, nutritional and pathological states of individuals and expected treatment outcomes. New knowledge about the metabolism of amino acids in leucocytes is critical for the development of effective means to prevent and treat immunodeficient diseases. These nutrients hold great promise in improving health and preventing infectious diseases in animals and humans.

PROOF That it WORKS

I recently read an article on a lady (now a friend of mine :) )named Jeanette Elisha-Elliss that had been diagnosed with Chronic Fatigue. She was abused by the NHS (England) and did what most of us HAVE to do. She took matters into her own hands and started reading up on Amino Acids. I contacted her to 'pick' her brain and WOW, her story and symptoms sound VERY familiar. She told me that she did feel worse before she got better. Today, she is BETTER. She is no longer in a wheel chair, no longer suffering with debilitating neurological symptoms or paralysis! She didn't order Dr Vickers supplements, instead she made her own amino 'smoothies' and raised her Ph level. Her amazing story can be read here. Her website can be found here.